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LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

University  of  California. 

Mrs.  SARAH  P.  WALSWORTH. 

Received  October,  1894. 
<t/1ccesstons  No.  S^ZfTD  .      Cla&s  No. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2007  witin  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corooration 


^t  gomtstu  loiter. 


MANUAL  OF  FAMILY  PRAYERS, 


AOAFTBD  TO 


€ji^  nmm  humm  nf  tjiB  cgrrlBsiastiral  ^nr. 


PRAYERS  AI^D  THANKSGIVmGS 


SPECIAL    OCCASIONS. 


REV.   HARRY  CROSWELL,  D.  D., 

BBCTOR  OF  TRINITY  CHURCH,   NEW  HATEN,   CONN. 


EEVIBKD,    OOKEECTED,    AND   ENLARGED. 


NE^V   YORK: 
DANA    AND    COMPANY,    381,    BROADWAY. 

(UFI7BRSIT7J 


^1   • 


^'73575 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1856,  by 

HARRY  CROSWELL, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Conneeticat. 


STEREOTYPED   BY 

RICHARD     H.     HOBB8, 

BA.RTFORD,  CONN. 


[tjItivbrsitt: 


PREFACE. 


r^ 


A  DEVOTIONAL  work,  under  the  title  of 
"  A  Manual  of  Family  Prayer,"  prepared 
by  the  subscriber  in  1842,  having  passed 
.through  several  editions,  all  of  which  are 
now  exhausted,  the  compiler  is  induced  to 
issue  a  nev/  revised  edition,  with  several 
additions,  alterations,  and  corrections. 

The  work  was  originally  prepared,  to 
supply  a  want  long  felt  and  expressed  by 
members  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  Among 
the  excellent  manuals  already  in  use,  there 
was  none,  so  far  as  the  author  could  ascer- 
tain, in  which  the  daily  devotions  were 
adapted  to  the  different  seasons  of  the  eccle- 
siastical year,  as  arranged  and  designated  in 
our  public  formularies :  the  same  prayers 
and  thanksgivings,  whether  for  a  week  or  a 


IV  PREFACE. 

month,  being  used  indiscriminately  during 
Festivals  and  Fasts,  and  in  joyous  and  peni- 
tential seasons,  without  reference  to  the 
appropriate  sentiments  infused  into  the 
public  services  of  the  Church. 

In  attempting  to  supply  this  defect,  it  is 
believed  that  all  the  public  observances,  as 
well  as  the  various  circumstances  that  may 
occur  in  a  family,  are  amply  provided  for, 
without  giving  the  work  an  expensive  or 
inconvenient  size.  The  divisions  are  gen- 
eral— comprising  a  series  for  Advent,  Christ- 
mas, and  Epiphany — another  for  the  three 
weeks  intervening  between  Epiphany  and 
Lent — another  for  the  season  of  Lent — an- 
other for  Passion  Week — another,  extend- 
ing from  Easter  to  Trinity  Sunday — and 
another  from  Trinity  to  Advent:  Besides 
special  forms  for  distinguished  days  in  the 
Calendar;  and  occasional  Prayers  and 
Thanksgivings,  to  be  used  with  the  daily 
devotions,  as  circumstances  may  require. 

The  language  employed  in  these  forms, 
has  been  made  to  conform  as  far  as  practi 


PREFACE.  V 

cable,  with  the  style  of  the  Scriptures  and 
the  Book  of  Common  Prayer ;  and,  in  all 
cases,  entire  simplicity  has  been  studied. 
In  the  adoption  of  scriptural  and  liturgical 
phrases,  no  attempt  has  been  made  to  avoid 
the  selection  of  passages  similar  to  those 
(employed  in  other  Manuals.  Drawing  from 
the  same  sources,  expressions  of  the  same 
nature  must  necessarily  occur. 

Since  the  publication  of  the  former  edi- 
tions, it  has  been  suggested,  that  a  few  addi- 
tional forms  of  Daily  Prayer,  without  refer- 
ence to  the  seasons  of  the  ecclesiastical 
year,  might  render  the  work  more  generally 
acceptable.  There  appears,  however,  no 
substantial  reason  for  making  such  addition. 
A  sufficient  variety  of  forms  may  be  found 
in  the  different  parts  of  the  book,  to  supply 
the  want  of  those  who  are  not  disposed  to 
conform  to  the  ecclesiastical  order  under 
which  they  are  arranged.  The  whole  series 
of  prayers,  for  example,  from  Trinity  to  Ad- 
vent, may  be  used  at  any  season  of  the  year, 
with  strict  propriety. 


VI  PREFACE. 

With  the  earnest  hope,  that  this  Httle 
book  may  prove  a  welcome  companion  to 
many  households,  already  familiar  with  the 
sacred  duty  of  family  worship,  and  operate 
as  an  encouragement  to  others  to  erect  the 
Domestic  Altar,  it  is  humbly  commended  to 
the  divine  blessing,  and  to  the  favorable 
judgment  of  the  Christian  public. 

H.  C. 

Rectoby,  New  Ea/oen^  1856. 


CONTENTS 


ahrat— (CtiriBtmits— (fpipjiaiiij. 


PAoa. 


Sunday  Morning, 13 

Sunday  Evening, 16 

Monday  Morning,    . 18 

Monday  Evening, 20 

Tuesday  Morning, 22 

Tuesday  Evening, 25 

Wednesday  Morning, 27 

Wednesday  Evening, 29 

Thursday  Morning, 32 

Thursday  Evening, 34 

Friday  Morning, 37 

Friday  Evening, 39 

Saturday  Morning, 41 

Saturday  Evening, 44 

Evening  before  Christmas, 47 

Christmas  Morning, 49 

Christmas  Evening, 52 

Last  Evening  of  the  Year, 54 

First  Morning  of  the  Year, 57 

Collect  for  Epiphany,  (January  6th,) 60 

iBpttiagmnni;— iBiEgmnia;— dUtiituitiEgmmii. 

Sunday  Morning, 61 

Sunday  Evening, 63 


VIU  CONTENTS. 

Paox. 

Monday  Morning, qq 

Monday  Evening, 68 

Tuesday  Morning, 70 

Tuesday  Evening, 73 

Wednesday  Morning, 74 

Wednesday  Evening, 77 

Thursday  Morning, 79 

Thursday  Evening, 81 

Friday  Morning, 83 

Friday  Evening, 85 

Saturday  Morning, 88 

Saturday  Evening, 90 

Ash- Wednesday  Morning, 93 

Ash- Wednesday  Evening, 95 

Sunday  Morning, 97 

Sunday  Evening, 100 

Monday  Morning, 102 

Monday  Evening, 104 

Tuesday  Morning, 107 

Tuesday  Evening, 109 

Wednesday  Morning, 112 

Wednesday  Evening, 114 

Thui-sday  Morning, 116 

Thursday  Evening, 118 

Friday  Morning, 121 

Friday  Evening, 123 

Saturday  Morning, 126 

Saturday  Evening,. 128 


•  CONTENTS.  iX 

Pass. 

Sunday  Morning, 131 

Sunday  Evening, 133 

Monday,  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and  Thursday  Morn- 
ing,   136 

Monday,  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and  Thursday  Eve- 

ing, 138 

Good  Friday  Morning, 140 

Good  Friday  Evening, 142 

Saturday  Morning, 144 

Saturday  Evening  before  Easter, 146 

Easter  Sunday — Morning, 149 

Easter  Sunday — Evening, 151 

Sunday  Morning, 154 

Sunday  Evening, 156 

Monday  Morning, 158 

Monday  Evening, 160 

Tuesday  Morning, 162 

Tuesday  Evening, , 164 

Wednesday  Morning, 166 

Wednesday  Evening, 169 

Thursday  Morning, 1*71 

Thursday  Evening, 1*73 

Friday  Morning, 1*76 

Friday  Evening, 178 

Saturday  Morning, 180 

Saturday  Evening, 182 

Ascension  Day — Morning, 184 


X  CONTENTS.  • 

Paok. 

Ascension  Day — Evening, 186 

Whit-Sunday  Morning, 189 

Whit-Sunday  Evening, 191 

Trinity  Sunday  Morning, .194 

Trinity  Sunday  Evening, 196 

Sunday  Morning, 198 

Sunday  Evening, 201 

Monday  Morning, 203 

Monday  Evening, 205 

Tuesday  Morning, 208 

Tuesday  Evening, 210 

Wednesday  Morning, 212 

Wednesday  Evening, 215 

Thursday  Morning, 2lY 

Thursday  Evening, 220 

Friday  Morning, 222 

Friday  Evening, 224 

Saturday  Morning, 226 

Saturday  Evening,  . .    228 

Morning  of  the  Fourth  of  July, 231 

Thanksgiving  Day — Morning, 233 

Thanksgiving  Day — Evening, 235 

dDrrmnEal  ^u^m  u^  €^mhimp: 

TO    BE    USED    IN    CONNECTION    WITH    THE    OTHER    DEVOTIONS. 

For  Communion  Day  Morning, 239 

After  Baptism, 240 


CONTENTS.  XI 

Paob. 

After  Confirmation, 240 

After  Marriage, 241 

For  the  Children  of  a  Family, 241 

For  Sunday  Schools, 242 

Cn  the  Birth-day  of  a  Member  of  the  Family,    .  .  243 

For  a  sick  Person, 243 

For  a  person  dangerously  sick, 244 

For  a  blessing  on  the  means  of  recovery, 244 

For  a  sick  Person  at  the  point  of  departure,  ....  245 

For  a  sick  Child, 246 

For  a  Person  troubled  in  mind  or  conscience, .  .  .  .  247 

V/hen  under  Affliction, 247 

After  a  Funeral, 248 

For  a  Person  at  Sea, 249 

For  a  Person  on  a  Journey, 249 

After  an  Ordination, 250 

For  Conventions, 250 

For  Rain, 251 

For  Fair  Weather, 251 

In  time  of  Dearth  and  Famine, 252 

In  time  of  War  and  Tumults, 252 

In  time  of  great  Sickness  and  Mortality, 253 

After  Communion, 254 

For  the  beginning  of  Recovery  from  Sickness,    .  .    254 

For  Recovery  from  Sickness, 255 

For  a  safe  Return  from  Sea, 256 

For  a  safe  Return  from  a  Journey, 256 

After  the  birth  of  a  Child, 256 

For  Rain 257 


XU  CONTENTS. 

Paok. 

For  Fair  Weather, 26*7 

For  Plenty, 258 

For  a  return  of  Peace, 258 

For  the  restoration  of  tranquility  at  home, 259 

For  deliverance  from  great  Sickness  and  Mortality,  269 

Before  Meals, 260 

After  Meals, 260 


[tjsivbrsity] 


o» 


FAMILY   PEAYEES 


^Jrtetr-C|ratma^-%ig|au^. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed  be 
thy  name ;  thy  Kingdom  come;  thy  Will  be  done 
on  Earth,  as  it  is  in  Heaven ;  Give  ns  this  day  our 
daily  bread ;  And  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we 
forgive  those  who  trespass  against  us;  And  lead 
us  not  into  temptation ;  But  deliver  us  from  evil ; 
For  thine  is  the  Kingdom,  and  the  Power,  and  the 
Glory,  forever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  has  set  apart  this  day  for 
thyself,  and  hast  commanded  us  to  keep  it  holy  to 
thy  name,  look  down  upon  us  in  mercy,  while  we 
dedicate  to  thee  the  first  fruits  of  the  morning. 
Give  us  grace,  that  we  may  cast  away  the  works 
of  darkness,  and  put  upon  us  the  armor  of  light, 
now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life,  in  which  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  came  to  visit  us  in  great  humility. 
Prepare  us  for  the  various  duties  which  are  now 
before  us,  and  especially  for  the  solemn  services  of 
2 


14  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

thy  sanctuary.  May  we  go  with  the  multitude  to 
thy  house  of  prayer,  with  the  voice  of  joy  and 
praise.  There  may  we  give  thee  the  glory  which  is 
due  unto  thy  name,  and  worship  thee  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness.  And,  O  blessed  Lord,  who  hast 
caused  all  holy  Scriptures  to  be  written  for  our 
learning;  grant  that  we  may  in  such  wise  hear 
them,  read,  mark,  learn,  and  inwardly  digest  them, 
that  by  patience  and  comfort  of  thy  holy  word, 
we  may  embrace  and  ever  hold  fast,  the  blessed 
hope  of  everlasting  life,  which  thou  hast  given  us 
in  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  Lord,  remember  in  mercy  all  those  who  may 
be  prevented,  b;f  sickness  or  an}^  other  providential 
impediment,  from  attending  the  ordinances  of  thy 
house,  and  the  habitation  which  their  soul  loveth. 
Let  thy  presence  be  with  them  in  their  private 
meditations.  Endue  them  with  a  spirit  of  suppli- 
cation and  praise.  Let  their  prayer  come  up 
before  thee  as  incense,  and  the  lifting  up  of  their 
hands  as  an  acceptable  sacrifice.  Look  with  pity, 
O  Lord,  upon  the  careless  and  negligent,  and 
especially  upon  those  who  have  hitherto  misspent 
or  profaned  thy  sabbaths.  Grant  them  yet  a  day 
of  grace,  and  still  further  space  for  repentance ; 
and  teach  them  so  to  improve  the  opportunities 
that  remain,  that  they  may  redeem  the  time  which 
they  have  lost,  and  finally  be  accepted  of  theei 
through  the  all-prevailing  intercession  of  thy 
blessed  Son. 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  15 

Pardon,  O  Lord,  the  infirmities  and  imperfec- 
tions of  tliy  most  faithful  and  devoted  servants, 
and  manifest  thy  power  in  their  weakness.  Sus- 
tain them  in  all  their  troubles ;  guide  them  in  all 
their  difficulties;  support  them  in  the  hour  of 
danger,  and  guard  them  in  the  day  of  temptation. 
Let  thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy  help  and 
deliver  them ;  that  so  they  may  pass  through  all 
the  trials  of  this  life  in  peace  and  safety,  and 
finally  rejoice  in  the  triumphs  of  redeeming 
grace. 

0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  at  thy  first  coming 
didst  send  thy  messenger  to  prepare  thy  way 
before  thee ;  grant  that  the  ministers  whom  thou 
hast  sent  to  preach  thy  word,  and  the  appointed 
stewards  of  thy  mysteries,  may  faithfully  and  dil- 
igently discharge  their  sacred  duties ;  that  they 
may  prepare  and  make  ready  thy  way,  by  turn- 
ing the  hearts  of  the  disobedient  to  the  wisdom 
of  the  just;  that  so,  at  thy  second  coming  to 
judge  the  world,  both  they  who  preach  and  they 
who  hear,  may  be  found  an  acceptable  people  in 
thy  sight,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father, 
and  the  Holy  Spirit,  ever  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  with  us  all  evermore.     Amen, 


k 


16  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

SUNDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  and  everlasting'  God,  we  bless  tliee 
for  our  creation,  preservation,  and  all  the  bless- 
ings of  this  life ;  but,  above  all,  for  thine  unspeak- 
able love  in  the  redemption  of  the  world  by  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  for  the  means  of  grace  which 
thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us,  and  for  the  hope  of 
glory  which  thou  hast  set  before  us.  Heavenly 
Father,  make  us  duly  sensible  of  thy  most  gra- 
cious gift,  whereby  we  obtain  the  pardon  of  our 
sins,  and  all  things  necessary  for  our  eternal  sal- 
vation. We  adore  thee  for  the  great  mystery  of 
the  incarnation ;  for  the  coming  of  thy  blessed 
Son  in  the  flesh  to  dwell  among  us  ;  for  the  per- 
fect example  set  before  us  in  his  holy  life;  for 
his  painful  atonement  for  the  sins  of  the  world ; 
and  for  his  glorious  resurrection  from  the  grave, 
whereby  he  hath  given  us  assurance,  that  he  is 
able  also  to  raise  our  bodies  from  the  dust,  and  to 
exalt  us  to  his  own  right  hand  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

We  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  to  impress  deeply  on 
our  minds  the  great  and  solemn  truths  revealed 
in  thy  word ;  that  amidst  the  cares  and  occupa- 
tions of  the  world,  we  may  neither  forget  our 
Christian  privileges,  nor  neglect  the  duties  to 
which  we  are  called.  Convince  us  of  the  vanity 
of  the  world,  of  the  shortness  of  life,  and  of  the 
unspeakable  importance  of  preparing  for  eternity. 
Save  us  from  the  sins  of  indifference,  carelessness, 


ADVENT— CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  17 

and  levity,  as  well  as  from  bold  and  presumptu- 
ous transgression.  Purify  our  hearts  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  we  may  be  cleansed  from  every  secret 
fault,  and  every  unholy  passion.  And  pardon,  O 
Lord,  the  multitude  of  our  past  iniquities ;  our 
forgetful ness  of  thee  and  of  all  thy  mercies,  and 
the  coldness  and  hardness  of  our  hearts,  in  the 
midst  of  all  thy  bounties.  Thou  hast  nourished 
and  brought  us  up  as  thy  children,  and  we  have 
rebelled  against  thee.  Thou  hast  sustained,  and 
protected,  and  comforted  us.  Thou  hast  borne 
with  our  infirmities,  and  withheld  thy  chastening 
hand  when  we  deserved  nothing  but  punishment. 
Thou  hast  laid  us  under  peculiar  obligations  to 
love  and  serve  thee,  and  to  praise  and  magnify 
thy  holy  name.  But  how  little  have  we  honored 
thee !  How  little  have  we  done  to  glorify  thee  I 
0  Lord,  forgive  our  ingratitude  to  thee.  Enable 
us  to  look  up  to  Jesus,  the  great  Mediator  of  the 
new  covenant,  for  the  remission  of  our  sins,  and 
for  all  the  benefits  of  his  glorious  redemption. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  intercede  with  thee,  gracious  God,  for  all 
our  relatives,  friends,  and  brethren ;  and  especially 
for  those  who  are  in  sorrow,  sickness,  or  any  kind 
of  trouble.  Give  them  the  consolations  which 
thou  alone  canst  bestow.  Put  into  their  hearts  a 
holy  trust  in  thee,  and  a  sure  hope  in  thy  prom- 
ises. And  may  those  who  are  compassed  with 
infirmities,  and  who  feel  that  their  outward  man 

is  perishing,  be  strengthened  with  might  bv  thy 

2* 


18  ADVENT — CHRIS'J^MAS — EPIPHANY. 

spirit  in  tlie  inner  man ;  that  so  their  light  afflic- 
tion, which  is  but  for  a  moment,  may  work  out 
for  them  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight 
of  glory. 

Take  us  now,  0  God,  under  thy  gracious  care 
and  protection  this  night.  Let  thy  blessing  attend 
us ;  and  thy  good  spirit  rest  upon  us ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


MONDAY  MORNING. 


O  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  we  bless  thee  for 
the  return  of  this  morning  light.  We  bless  fhee 
for  thy  guardianship  and  care  during  the  hours  of 
darkness.  Enable  us,  we  beseech  thee,  to  devote 
the  first  fruits  of  the  day  to  thee.  Accept  our 
humble  thanks  for  all  thy  mercies,  and  especially 
for  the  gift  of  thine  Incarnate  Son.  Blessed  be 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  that  he  hath  redeemed  us, 
and  raised  up  a  mighty  salvation  for  us  ;  that  the 
day-spring  from  on  high  hath  visite(J  us,  to  give 
light  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and  in  the 
shadow  of  death,  and  to  guide  our  feet  in  the  way 
of  peace.  We  thank  thee  for  that  revelation,  by 
which  the  power  and  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  are  made  known  to  us.  We  thank  thee 
for  the  gracious  offers  of  salvation,  through  his 


A  UVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  19 

name  and  mediation ;  and  for  that  atoning  sacri- 
fice, through  which  our  sins,  though  they  be  as 
scarlet,  shall  be  as  white  as  snow,  and  though 
they  be  red  like  crimson,  shall  be  as  wool.  We 
thank  thee  especially  for  the  sure  word  of  proph- 
ecy, whereunto  we  are  admonished  to  take  heed,  as 
unto  a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place,  until  the 
day  dawn,  and  the  day-star  arise  in  our  hearts. 
And  we  beseech  thee,  O  God,  to  grant  us  grace, 
that  we  may  not  receive  this  revelation  in  vain ; 
that  we  may  not  be  of  the  number  of  those  who 
choose  darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their 
deeds  are  evil :  But  enable  us  to  walk  as  becom- 
eth  the  children  of  light. 

Guide  and  direct  us,  heavenly  Father,  in  the 
duties  of  this  day.  May  a  sense  of  thy  continual 
presence  abide  with  us,  to  restrain  every  evil  pas- 
sion and  propensity,  and  to  support  and  encour- 
age us  in  the  discharge  of  our  respective  duties. 
Let  thy  fatherly  hand  be  ever  over  us.  Let  thy 
Holy  Spirit  be  ever  with  us ;  and  so  lead  us  in 
the  knowledge  and  obedience  of  thy  word,  that 
in  the  end  we  may  obtain  everlasting  life,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  commend  to  thy  fatherly  care  and  protec- 
tion, all  our  friends  and  relatives.  Give  them 
grace  as  they  may  severally  stand  in  need ;  and 
order  all  things  for  their  present  and  eternal  good. 
Be  a  present  God  to  all  who  are  in  any  kind  of 
trouble.     Show  the  light  of  thy  countenance  tp 


20  ADVENT — CIIR1STM.\S — EPIPHANY. 

those  who  are  weary  and  heavy-laden  with  the 
burden  of  their  sins;  and  comfort  and  sustain 
those  who  are  suffering  under  any  temporal  calam- 
ity. May  they  receive  thy  chastisements  as  the 
loving  correction  of  a  kind  and  beneficent  parent, 
who  dost  chasten  them  for  their  profit,  and  correct 
them  that  they  may  live.  And  in  the  days  of 
their  prosperity,  give  them  a  grateful  sense  of  all 
thy  mercies ;  and  teach  them,  as  dutiful  children, 
and  the  humble  partakers  of  thy  bounty,  to  as- 
cribe all  the  honor  and  glory  to  thee,  their  gra- 
cious benefactor,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


MONDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  merciful  Father,  we  come  before  thee 
this  night,  as  a  sinful  people,  laden  with  iniquity. 
We  humbly  acknowledge  that  we  have  rebelled 
against  thee.  We  have  forsaken  thine  holy  law, 
and  provoked  thee  to  anger.  But,  O  God,  we 
beseech  thee,  rebuke  us  not  in  thy  indignation, 
neither  chasten  us  in  thy  displeasure.  Look  down 
upon  us,  in  mercy  and  compassion ;  and,  for  the 
love  of  thy  dear  Son,  forgive  us  all  our  sins. 
May  the  spund  of  thy  blessed  gospel,  like  the 


ADVENT — CH  RISTM  AS — EPIPHANY.  2 1 

voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness,  awaken  us 
to  true  repentance;  that  the  hearts  of  the  disobe- 
dient may  be  turned  to  the  wisdom  of  the  just; 
that,  in  eyerj  place,  the  way  of  the  Lord  may  be 
prepared ;  and  that  all  flesh  may  see  the  salvation 
of  God.  Baptize  us,  heavenly  Father,  with  thy 
Holy  Spirit ;  that  we  may  bring  forth  fruits  wor- 
thy of  repentance;  that  we  may  put  av/ay  the  evil 
of  our  doings ;  that  we  may  cease  to  do  evil,  and 
learn  to  do  well;  that  so,  when  the  axe  is  laid  unto 
the  root  of  the  trees,  we  may,  through  thy  great 
goodness,  escape  from  the  wrath  to  come. 

We  bless  thee,  0  Lord  God  of  Israel,  for  thy 
manifold  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus.  Through  him, 
thou  hast  visited  and  redeemed  thy  people ;  and 
hast  raised  up  a  mighty  salvation  for  us  in  the 
house  of  thy  servant  David,"  as  thou  hast  spoken 
by  the  mouth  of  thy  holy  prophets  since  the 
world  began.  Through  him,  mercy  and  truth 
have  met  together,  righteousness  and  peace  have 
embraced  each  other.  With  his  own  right  hand, 
and  with  his  holy  arm,  hath  he  gotten  himself 
the  victory.  Our  souls  do  magnify  thee,  0  Lord* 
and  our  spirits  rejoice  in  God  our  Saviour. 

0  God,  let  thy  blessing  rest  upon  us  this  night 
Make  us  deeply  sensible  of  our  helplessness,  and 
dependence  upon  thee.  Let  us  meditate  on  our 
frailty,  and  consider  the  shortness  and  uncertainty 
of  our  life.  0  let  us  remember,  that  we  walk  in 
a  vain  shadow;  that  our  days  are  but  a  span  long} 
and  that  every  man  living  is  altogether  vanity. 


22  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

Let  US  remember  that  all  flesh  is  as  grass,  and 
flourisheth  as  the  flower  of  the  field :  It  is  gone 
when  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  the  place 
thereof  shall  know  it  no  more.  May  these  sol- 
emn thoughts  humble  us  before  thee.  Thy  mer- 
ciful goodness  endureth  forever  upon  them  that 
fear  thee.  Help  us  to  cast  away  all  confidence  in 
the  flesh,  and  to  put  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Whether  we  live,  may  we  live  unto  the  Lord; 
and  whether  we  die,  may  we  die  unto  the  Lord ; 
so  that  whether  we  live,  or  whether  we  die,  we 
may  be  the  Lord's. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  now  may  the  God  of  hope  fill  us  with  all 
joy  and  peace  in  believing  ;  that  we  may  abound 
in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the  Son,  be  all 
honor  and  glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

0  Lord  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  grant  us 
grace,  at  this  time,  to  present  our  bodies  a  living 
sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  thee,  which  is  our 
reasonable  service.  Let  us  come  before  thee, 
unaer  a  grateful  sense  of  all  thy  goodness.  We 
wiVi  exalt  thee  :     We  will  praise  thy  name ;  for 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  23 

thou  hast  done  wonderful  things  in  thy  righteous- 
ness. We  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  salva- 
tion. Every  day  will  we  give  thanks  unto  thee, 
and  praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

We  commend  ourselves,  O  God,  to  thy  care 
and  protection  this  day.  Defend  us  with  thy 
mighty  power.  Stretch  forth  thine  hand  to  deliver 
us  from  every  danger.  Guide  and  direct  us  by 
thy  good  spirit;  that  we  may  shun  every  evil 
way,  and  walk  securely  in  thy  commandments. 
Grant  us  grace,  that  we  fall  not  under  the  power 
of  temptation,  nor  indulge  in  any  secret  or  open 
sin.  Purify  our  hearts,  and  regulate  our  desires, 
and  restrain  our  passions,  that  all  bur  doings, 
being  ordered  by  thy  governance,  may  be  right- 
eous in  thy  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  bless  thee,  0  God,  that  thou  hast  caused 
thy  holy  scriptures  to  be  written  for  our  learning: 
And  we  beseech  thee  to  grant,  that  they  may 
prove  profitable  to  us,  for  doctrine,  for  reproof, 
for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness; 
that  we  may  be  perfected  in  obedience,  and  thor- 
oughly furnished  unto  all  good  works.  May  we 
all  be  so  taught  of  thee,  that  thy  law  may  be 
written  in  our  hearts  ;  that  we  may  call  upon  thee 
as  our  God,  and  be  acknowledged  as  thy  people. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  the  ministers  of  thy  word 
may  go  forth  in  all  the  world,  preaching  the  bap- 
tism of  repentance  for  the  remission  of  sins. 
Grant  that  the  dark  and  benighted  regions  of  the 


24  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

earth  may  hear  the  voice  of  redeeming  love ;  that 
the  word  that  goeth  forth  out  of  Zion  may  extend 
to  the  uttermost  bounds  of  the  earth  ;  and  that  all 
men  may  know  thee,  from  the  greatest  to  the 
least.  Hasten  the  day,  O  God,  when  the  moun- 
tain of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  established  in 
the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted 
above  the  hills,  and  all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it. 
May  many  people  go  and  say,  Come  ye,  and  let 
us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the 
house  of  the  God  of  Jacob ;  and  he  will  teach  us 
of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths. 
Hasten  the  day,  when  the  nations  of  the  earth 
shall  beat  their  swords  into  ploughshares,  and  their 
spears  into  pruning-hooks ;  when  nation  shall  not 
lift  up  sword  against  nation,  neither  learn  war  any 
more ;  when  all  may  walk  in  the  light  of  the 
Lord,  and  great  shall  be  the  peace  of  thy  chil- 
dren. 

Prepare  us,  O.God,  lor  the  hour  of  death,  and 
for  the  day  of  judgment ;  that  when  thy  blessed 
Son,  who  hast  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth 
on  thy  ri^ht  hand,  shall  come  again,  with  glory, 
to  judge  both  the  quick  and  dead,  we  may  be 
ready  to  say,  Lo,  this  is  our  God ;  we  have  waited 
for  him,  and  he  will  save  us.  Grant  this,  foi 
Jesus  Christ's  sake,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0  Father, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor,  and  glory,  now 
and  forever.     Amen. 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  25 

TUESDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  we  ap- 
proach thy  throne  with  humble  reverence  and 
godly  fear.  Bow  down  thine  ear,  we  beseech 
thee,  and  hear  us,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake  :  And 
grant  us  thy  grace,  to  purify  our  thoughts,  and  to 
direct  our  meditations.  Set  a  watch,  0  Lord,  be- 
fore our  mouths,  and  keep  the  door  of  our  lips ; 
that  this,  our  evening  sacrifice,  may  be  accepta- 
ble unto  thee. 

We  acknowledge  the  manifold  and  great  mer- 
cies which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us  this  day. 
Thy  favors  have  been  multiplied,  and  demand 
our  thankfulness.  O  Lord,  who  is  like  unto  thee, 
that  thou  hast  thy  dwelling  so  high,  and  yet  hum- 
blest thyself  to  behold  all  things  in  heaven  and 
earth.  Thou  hast  delivered  our  souls  from  death, 
and  our  eyes  from  tears ;  thou  hast  kept  our  feet 
from  falling ;  thou  hast  permitted  us  to  walk  be- 
fore thee,  in  the  light  of  the  living.  0,  that  we 
might  praise  thee,  according  to  thy  great  good- 
ness I  0,  that  we  might  magnify  thy  name  for- 
ever! 

Be  merciful,  0  God,  unto  all  our  friends,  rela- 
tives, and  brethren.  Lift  up  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  upon  those  who  are  here  present, 
that  they  may  worship  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth ; 
that  they  may  know  thee  to  be  their  God,  and  feel 
the  power  of  thy  grace  in  the  pardon  of  their  sins. 

To  those  who  are  absent,  whatsoever  be  their 

3 


26  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

condition,  or  wheresoever  thy  providence  shall 
direct  them,  extend  thj  guardian  care  and  pro- 
tection. Let  thy  Fatherly  hand  be  ever  over 
them,  to  deliver  them  from  peril  and  danger: 
Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  be  ever  with  them,  to  keep 
them  from  the  power  of  temptation :  And  so  lead 
them  in  the  knowledge  and  obedience  of  thy 
word,  that  in  the  end  they  may  obtain  everlasting 
life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Let  a  continual  sense  of  thy  presence  abide 
with  our  civil  rulers  and  magistrates  ;  and  so  re- 
plenish them  with  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  they  may  always  incline  to  thy  will,  and 
walk  in  thy  way :  Endue  them  plenteously  with 
heavenly  gifts ;  grant  them  in  health  and  pros- 
perity long  to  live ;  and  finally,  after  this  life,  to 
attain  everlasting  joy  and  felicity. 

0  Lord,  may  we  remember,  at  the  close  of  every 
day,  that  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand.  May 
we  remember,  that  the  time  must  soon  come, 
when  we  shall  stand  before  thy  judgment-seat,  0 
Christ;  when  every  knee  shall  bow,  and  every 
tongue  confess,  to  thee.  And,  0  God,  when  those 
mighty  signs  shall  appear,  which  thou  hast  fore- 
told in  the  scriptures ;  when  the  powers  of  heaven 
shall  be  shaken ;  and  when  the  Son  of  man  shall 
be  seen  coming  in  the  clouds,  with  power  and 
great  glory ;  may  we  be  found  among  the  blessed 
number  whose  redemption  draweth  nigh :  May 
we  be  prepared  to  unite  in  the  triumphant  song 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  27 

of  Zion — Hosannah  to  the  Son  of-  David ;  blessed 
is  lie  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord :  Ho- 
sannah  in  the  highest ! 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake, 
and  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord; 
in  whose  all-prevailing  words  we  sum  up  these 
our  petitions: — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  Grod,  who  hast  taught 
us,  in  thy  holy  word,  to  make  prayers,  and  sup- 
plications, and  intercessions,  and  to  give  thanks 
for  all  men ;  we  humbly  beseech  'thee  favorably 
to  receive  these  our  prayers,  which  we  offer  unto 
thy  divine  majesty.  We  bless  thee  for  thy  great 
mercy,  in  opening  a  door  of  access  to  thy  throne, 
through  the  intercession  of  thy  dear  Son,  who  is 
revealed  to  us  as  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  lifa 
We  bless  thee  for  thy  gracious  promise,  that 
whatsoever  we  shall  faithfully  ask  of  thee,  in  his 
name,  shall  be  given  unto  us.  •  We  come  before 
thee,  pleading  this,  thy  unfailing  assurance;  and 
we  beseech  thee  to  look  down  upon  us  in  mercy, 
and  grant  our  petition  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

We  pray  for  thy  holy  Church  throughout  the 
world.     Inspire  its  ministers  and  members  with 


28  ADVENT— CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

the  spirit  of  truth,  unity,  and  concord;  that  it 
may  be  delivered  from  all  false  doctrine,  heresy, 
and  schism;  from  hardness  of  heart,  and  con- 
tempt of  thy  word  and  commandment ;  and  grant 
that  all  those  who  confess  thy  holy  name,  may 
agree  in  the  truth  of  thy  holy  word,  and  live  in 
peace,  and  harmony,  and  godly  love. 

We  pray  for  all  christian  rulers  and  magis- 
trates; beseeching  thee  so  to  direct  and  dispose 
their  hearts,  that  they  may  truly  and  impartially 
administer  justice,  to  the  punishment  of  wicked- 
ness and  vice,  and  to  the  maintenance  of  thy  true 
religion  and  virtue. 

We  pray  for  our  common  country;  that  its 
civil,  religious,  and  benevolent  institutions,  may 
enjoy  thy  blessing ;  that  its  schools  and  semina- 
ries of  learning  may  flourish  and  prosper;  that 
health,  and  peace,  and  plenteousnes's  may  abound ; 
that  righteousness,  which  alone  exalteth  a  nation, 
may  ^prevail ;  and  that  sin,  which  is  a  reproach  to 
any  people,  may  not  be  our  ruin. 

We  pray  for  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men ; 
that  thou  wouldst  give  them  thy  heavenly  grace  ; 
and  especially  to  this  family  here  assembled  in 
thy  name  and  presence ;  that  with  meekness  of 
heart  and  due  reverence,  they  may  hear  and  obey 
thy  commandments ;  truly  serving  thee  in  holiness 
and  righteousness  all  the  days  of  their  life. 

We  pray  for  all  those,  who,  in  this  transitory 
life,  are  in  trouble,  sorrow,  need,  sickness,  or  any 
other  adversity.     Of  thy  great  goodness,  0  Lord, 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  29 

comfort  and  succor  them.  Show  them  the  light 
of  thy  countenance;  sustain  them  in  all  their 
trials ;  and  make  all  things  to  work  together  for 
their  present  and  eternal  welfare. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  thank  thee,  O  God,  for  the  good  example 
of  thy  blessed  servants,  who  have  departed  this 
life  in  thy  faith  and  fear.  Give  us  grace,  so  to 
follow  them  in  their  holy  living,  that  with  them 
we  may  be  partakers  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  the  giver  of  every  good  and 
perfect  gift,  we  bless  thee  for  another  opportunity 
of  coming  into  thy  presence ;  and  we  beseech  thee, 
of  thy  great  goodness,  to  accept  our  thanksgiv- 
ings and  receive  our  prayers.  May  we  approach 
thy  throne  with  due  reverence  and  godly  fear ; 
knowing  that  thou  art  everywhere  present,  and 
searchest  out  all  our  ways;  that  there  is  not  a 
word  in  our  tongue,  nor  a  thought  or  intent  of  our 
heart,  but  thou,  O  Lord,  knowest  it  altogether. 

We  acknowledge  all  our  sinfulness.     We  have 
8* 


80  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

gone  astray  like  lost  and  wandering  sheep.  But, 
O  thou  Shepherd  of  Israel,  who  came  to  seek  and 
to  save  that  which  was  lost,  may  we  hear  thy 
voice,  and  return  unto  thee.  And  we  beseech 
thee  to  have  compassion  upon  us ;  and  bind  up 
the  broken ;  and  reclaim  the  wandering ;  and  re- 
store us  to  the  paths  of  righteousness  and  peace. 

When  compassed  about  with  infirmities,  and 
sorrows,  and  sufferings,  may  we  repose  in  perfect 
trust  and  confidence  on  thy  promise,  that  thou 
wilt  swallow  up  death  in  victory,  and  wipe  away 
tears  from  off  all  faces.  May  we  look  upon  our 
blessed  Saviour  as  he  is  revealed  to  us,  a  King 
reigning  in  righteousness.  May  he  be  unto  us  as 
a  hiding  place  from  the  wind,  and  a  covert  from 
the  tempest ;  as  rivers  of  water  in  a  dry  place ;  as 
the  shadow  of  a  great  rock'  in  a  weary  land. 

We  commend  to  thy  providential  care,  all 
Christian  families,  and  especially  those  of  our  rel- 
atives and  friends.  Be  thou  present  with  them, 
when  they  assemble  together  this  night  to  worship 
thee;  and  hearken  to  their  prayers,  and  assist 
them  by  thy  grace.  And  grant  that  the  united 
supplications  of  all  thy  people,  in  every  place, 
may  ascend  to  thy  throne,  and  call  down  an  an- 
swer of  peace  and  consolation. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Have  mercy,  0  God,  upon  the  poor,  the  desolate, 
and  the  oppressed.  Be  thou  the  widow's  God,  and 
a  father  of  the  fatherless ;  and  raise  up,  we  beseech 
thee,  friends  and  benefactors  for  the  needy  and 


ADVENT — CHKISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  31 

tlie  destitute ;  that  they  may  be  defended  in  all 
adversities,  and  provided  for  in  all  their  neces- 
sities. 

We  pray  for  our  enemies,  persecutors,  and 
slanderers.  Have  pity  and  compassion  upon 
them  ;  and  grant  them  grace  to  see  their  wicked- 
ness, and  turn  from  their  sins.  Forgive  them,  O 
Lord,  in  thy  mercy  ;  and  grant  us  a  spirit  of  for- 
giveness, that  we  may  be  ready  to  do  unto  others, 
as  we  would  that  thou  shouldst  do  unto  us. 

Extend  thy  compassion,  heavenly  Father,  to 
those  who  are  spiritually  blind  and  ignorant. 
Cause  the  wicked  to  forsake  his  way,  and  the  un- 
righteous man  his  thoughts,  that  he  may  turn 
unto  thee,  and  be  abundantly  pardoned. 

Send  out  the  light  of  thy  everlasting  gospel  to 
the  benighted  heathen,  and  to  all  who  are  dwell- 
ing in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death.  May 
the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  be  heard  among 
them,  as  the  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness, 
Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  and  make  his 
paths  straight. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  O 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


32  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY, 

THURSDAY  MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  we  acknowledge  thee  as  our  Almighty 
Creator  and  most  gracious  preserver.  Thou  hast 
set  all  the  borders  of  the  earth :  Thou  hast  made 
summer  and  winter :  The  day  is  thine,  and  the 
night  is  thine :  Thou  hast  prepared  the  light  and 
the  sun.  By  thy  goodness,  we  are  brought  to  the 
light  of  another  day.  We  lift  our  eyes  to  thee, 
from  whom  cometh  our  help.  Make  ready  our 
hearts,  O  God,  to  speak  thy  praise.  Let  them 
that  put  their  trust  in  thee,  rejoice.  Let  them 
that  love  thy  name  be  joyful  and  glad  in  thee. 
We  will  give  thanks  unto  thee,  0  Lord,  with  our 
whole  heart ;  with  grateful  lips  will  we  speak  of 
all  thy  marvelous  works. 

We  especially  thank  thee,  heavenly  Father, 
that  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  call  us  to  the  know- 
ledge of  thy  grace  and  faith  in  thee.  We  bless 
thee  for  the  gift  of  thy  dear  Son;  and  for  the 
glorious  immortality  which  thou  hast  brought  to 
light,  through  his  incarnation  and  mediation. 
We  bless  thee  for  the  hope  set  before  us  in  thy 
everlasting  gospel;  and  for  the  revelation,  by 
which  alone  we  are  made  wise  unto  salvation. 
May  our  knowledge  be  increased,  and  our  faith 
confirmed ;  that  we  may  continue  thy  servants, 
and  finally  attain  thy  gracious  promises. 

0  God,  enable  us,  through  grace,  to  keep  in 
lively  remembrance  the  solemn   vows  by  which 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  33 

we  are  bound  to  thee  in  our  baptismal  covenant. 
May  we  truly  renounce  tlie  devil  and  all  bis  works, 
the  vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  with  all 
covetous  desires  of  the  flesh ;  so  that  we  may 
neither  follow  nor  be  led  by  them.  May  we 
steadfastly  believe  all  the  articles  of  our  Christian 
faith ;  and  obediently  keep  thy  holy  command- 
ments, and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  our 
life.  Grrant  that  the  old  Adam  may  be  so  buried, 
that  the  new  man  may  be  raised  up  in  us.  Grant 
that  all  sinful  affections  may  die  in  us,  and  that 
all  things  belonging  to  the  Spirit  may  live  and 
grow  in  us.  Grant  that  we  may  have  power  and 
strength  to  have  victory,  and  to  triumph  against 
the  devil,  the  world,  and  the  flesh.  Grant  that 
whosoever  is  dedicated  to  thee,  through  the  offices 
and  ministry  of  thy  Church,  may  be  endued  with 
heavenly  virtues,  and  finally,  by  thy  mercy,  re- 
ceive the  rewards  of  thy  everlasting  kingdom. 

May  we  each  of  us  remember,  that  by  baptism 
we  have  put  on  Christ ;  and  that  it  is  our  part  and 
duty,  being  made  the  children  of  God  and  of  the 
light,  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  to  walk  answerably 
to  our  Christian  calling,  and  as  becometh  the 
children  of  light ;  that  baptism  representeth  unto 
us  our  profession,  which  is  to  follow  the  example 
of  our  Saviour  Christ,  and  to  be  made  like  unto 
him;  that  as  he  died  and  rose  again  for  us,  so 
should  we,  who  are  baptized,  die  from  sin,  and 
rise  again  unto  righteousness ;  continually^  morti- 
fying all   our   evil   and  corrupt  affections,  and 


S!T7 


'1 


84  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and  godliness  of 
living. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Guide  and  direct  us  heavenly  Father,  in  all  the 
duties  and  cares  of  this  day.  Protect  us  from 
every  evil  and  danger.  Gruard  us  against  tempta- 
tion, and  sustain  us  amid  the  trials  and  troubles 
of  this  transitory  life.  Be  merciful  unto  our 
friends  and  relatives,  whether  present  or  absent. 
Make  them  partakers  of  thy  grace,  and  of  all  the 
benefits  and  consolations  of  thy  gospel ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Grhost,  be  honor  and  glory, 
now  and  forever.     Amen. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 

0  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  we  humbly  be- 
seech thee  to  look  down  upon  us  in  mercy,  and 
receive  our  prayers  and  supplications,  not  for  our 
merits  or  deservings,  but  for  the  sake  of  our 
blessed  Kedeemer,  and  exalted  Intercessor.  En- 
able us,  at  this  time,  to  present  ourselves  a  living 
sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  thee,  which  is  our 
reasonable  service:  And  receive  us,  as  thou  hast 
promised  by  thy  well  beloved  Son,  saying,  Ask, 
and  ye  shall  have ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ;  knock, 
and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you :  So  give  now 
unto  us  who  ask ;  let  us  who  seek,  find ;  open  the 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHAKY.  35 

gate  unto  us  who  knock ;  that  we  may  enjoy  the 
everlasting  benefits  of  thy  transforming  grace, 
and  finally  come  to  thy  eternal  kingdom. 

Give  us  a  grateful  sense,  0  God,  of  all  thy  mer- 
cies in  Christ  Jesus ;  and  make  us  partakers  of 
the  great  salvation  which  he  has  revealed  to  us. 
Thou* hast  called  unto  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  to 
look  unto  thee  and  be  saved.  The  word  has  gone 
out  of  thy  mouth  in  righteousness,  and  shall  not 
return,  that  unto  thee  every  knee  shall  bow,  and 
every  tongue  confess  thy  name.  0,  grant  us 
grace,  that  we,  thy  servants,  may  be  found  among 
the  happy  number  who  obey  this  call,  and  sub- 
mit to  thy  righteousness.  And  hasten  the  fulfill- 
ment of  thy  gracious  promise,  that  thou  wilt  com- 
fort Zion,  and  build  up  her  waste  places ;  that 
thou  wilt  make  her  wilderness  like  Eden,  and  her 
desert  like  the  garden  of  the  Lord,  that  joy  and 
gladness  shall  be  found  therein,  thanksgiving, 
and  the  voice  of  melody.  0  God,  let  thy  right- 
eousness draw  near ;  let  thy  salvation  go  forth ; 
let  the  isles  wait  upon  thee,  and  on  thine  arm  let 
them  trust:  And  let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord 
return  and  come  with  singing  unto  Zion ;  that 
everlasting  joy  may  be  upon  their  head;  that 
they  may  obtain  joy  and  gladness;  and  that  sor- 
row and  sighing  may  flee  away. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Hear  our  supplications,  heavenly  Father,  for 
all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men.  0  thou,  on 
whom  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  rested ;  who  wast 


36  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

anointed  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  poor ;  who 
wast  sent  to  heal  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim 
deliverance  to  the  captives,  and  recovery  of  sight 
to  the  blind ;  to  set  at  liberty  those  that  were 
bruised ;  and  to  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the 
Lord ;  have  Compassion  on  all  those  who  are  in 
sorrow,  sickness,  or  any  other  trouble.  Keep 
them  by  thy  mighty  power,  and  comfort  them  by 
thy  grace.  Be  gracious  and  merciful  to  all  our 
relatives  and  friends.  May  they  look  up  to  thee 
in  hiAnble  confidence  and  trust,  and  commit  all 
their  concerns  into  thy  hands,  as  a  constant  pre- 
server and  bountiful  benefactor.  Guard  us  in 
safety  through  the  silent  watches  of  this  night, 
and  bring  us  in  health  and  peace  to  the  beginning 
of  another  day.  And  may  it  be  our  purpose  and 
desire,  with  our  renewed  strength  and  ability,  so 
to  serve  thee  in  this  world,  that  in  the  world  to 
come  we  may  have  life  everlasting.  Grant  this, 
heavenly  Father,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour,  in  whose  perfect  form 
of  words  we  sum  up  these  our  petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Unto  God's  gracious  care  and  protection  we 
now  commit  ourselves  for  this  night.  The  Lord 
bless  us  and  keep  us.  The  Lord  make  his  face 
to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  merciful  unto  us.  The 
Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  us,  and  give 
us  peace  both  now  and  evermore.    Amen 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  87 

FRIDAY  MORNING. 

Almiglity  and  everlasting  God,  look  in  mercy 
upon  our  infirmities.  We  acknowledge  our  help- 
lessness and  dependence.  Without  thee  we  can 
do  nothing.  We  are  surrounded  by  dangers  and 
temptations ;  and  by  reason  of  the  frailty  of  our 
nature,  we  can  not  always  stand  upright.  But 
thou,  0  God,  art  able  to  sustain  us.  Thy  hand  is 
not  shortened  that  it  can  not  save ;  neither  is  thy 
car  heavy,  that  it  can  not  hear.  Have  pity 
upon  us,  0  God  of  our  salvation.  Grant  that  our 
iniquities  may  not  separate  between  us  and  thy 
mercies.  Let  not  our  sins  cause  thee  to  hide  thy 
face  from  us.  In  all  our  necessities,  stretch  forth 
thy  right  hand  to  help  and  defend  us.  Give  us 
such  strength  and  protection  as  may  support  us 
in  all  dangers,  and  carry  us  in  safety  through  all 
our  temptations.  Knowing  that  thou  art  rich  in 
mercy  to  all  who  call  upon  thee  in  the  name  of 
thy  dear  Son ;  give  us  faith  to  believe  thy  word, 
and  to  rely  on  thy  promises ;  that  our  prayers 
may  come  up  before  thee  as  an  acceptable  offering, 
and  that  they  may  be  heard  and  answered,  through 
the  merits  and  intercession  of  our  blessed  Saviour. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  God,  thou  hast  been  found   of  them  that 

sought  thee  not.     Thou  hast  been  made  manifest 

to  them  that  asked  not  after  thee.     May  the  sound 

of  the  everlasting  gospel  be  spread  abroad  from 

shore  to  shore,  until  all  the  nations  of  the  world 
4 


38  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

be  turned  unto  thee,  and  all  the  kindreds  of  the 
earth  shall  worship  before  thee.  Be  thou  exalted 
among  the  heathen.  Let  them  that  dwell  in  the 
wilderness  kneel  before  thee.  Let  the  kings  of 
the  earth  fall  down  at  thy  footstool.  Let  all  the 
people  of  the  earth  do  thee  service.  Let  thy  name 
be  glorified  among  all  the  posterities-  of  men,  who 
shall  be  blessed  through  thee.  Let  the  heathen 
praise  thee.  Let  all  the  earth  be  filled  with  thy 
majesty. 

We  bless  thee,  0  Grod,  for  having  cast  our  lot 
in  a  land  of  gospel  light  and  knowledge.  May 
we  be  kept  by  thy  grace,  from  any  misimprovement 
of  our  great  privileges.  Keep  thy  Church  and 
household  continually  in  thy  true  religion.  Grant 
that  we,  who  profess  to  know  thee,  and  to  hope 
in  thy  mercies,  may  walk  circumspectly  in  all  thy 
commandments.  Enable  us  to  fulfill  our  respec- 
tive obligations  to  thee  and  to  each  other.  May 
no  occasion  be  given  to  the  enemies  of  religion  to 
blaspheme  thy  holy  name.  May  we  show  our 
love  to  thee,  by  following  thy  precepts,  and  living 
a  life  of  purity  and  holiness.  May  we  look  away 
from  the  things  which  are  seen,  and  are  temporal, 
and  fix  our  hopes,  and  aifections,  and  desires,  on 
the  things  that  are  not  seen,  and  are  eternal. 
And  may  we  remember  that  when  our  day  of  pro- 
bation has  passed  away,  and  our  years  are  brought 
to  an  end,  we  must  all  appear  before  the  judgment 
seat  of  Christ,  that  everj  one  may  receive  the 
things  done  in  his  body,  and  be  punished  or  re- 
warded according  to  what  he  hath  done,  whether 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  39 

it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil.  And  knowing 
the  terror  of  the  Lord,  may  we  be  persuaded, 
now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life,  to  do  the  will 
of  our  heavenly  Father,  with  all  fidelity  and  dili- 
gence. Direct  us  especially  in  all  the  duties  of 
this  day,  that  in  all  our  works  begun,  continued, 
and  ended  in  thee,  we  may  glorify  thy  holy  name, 
and  finally,  by  thy  mercy,  obtain  everlasting  life, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


FRIDAY  EVENING. 

0  God,  whose  blessed  Son  came  into  the  world 
to  redeem  us  from  sin  and  death,  and  was  mani- 
fested, that  he  might  destroy  the.  works  of  the 
devil,  and  make  us  the  sons  of  God  and  heirs  of 
eternal  life ;  grant  us  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to 
seek  with  earnestness  and  diligence,  the  benefits  of 
this  great  salvation.  May  we  look  with  humble 
trust  and  confidence  for  the  pardon  of  our  sins, 
through  the  mediation  of  our  ever  blessed  Ke- 
deemer;  and  may  we  obtain  that  lively  hope, 
which  is  an  anchor  to  the  soul,  sure  and  steadfast. 
A.nd  having  this  hope,  may  we,  through  the  sanc- 
tifying influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  purify  our- 
selves, according  to  the  pattern  and  example  of 
our  blessed  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  that  when  he 


40  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

shall  appear  again  with  power  and  great  glory, 
we  may  be  made  like  unto  him,  in  his  eternal 
and  glorious  kingdom. 

We  praise  thee,  0  God,  for  all  the  manifesta- 
tions of  thy  goodness  to  a  lost  and  ruined  world. 
Great  and  marvelous  are  thy  works.  Lord  God 
Almighty.  Just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou 
King  of  Saints.  Be  it  our  delight  to  praise  thee, 
and  glorify  thy  name.  Let  all  the  people  come 
and  worship  before  thee.  Make  bare  thine  holy 
arm  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  nations.  Let  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth  see  the  salvation  of  God.  May 
the  Eedeemer,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  have  the 
heathen  for  his  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possession.  Though  the 
mountains  depart  and  the  hills  be  removed,  let 
not  thy  kindness  depart  from  those  who  fear  thee ; 
neither  let  the  covenant  of  thy  peace  be  removed. 
As  the  earth  bringeth  forth  her  bud,  and  as  the 
garden  causeth  the  things  that  are  sown  in  it  to 
spring  forth;  so,  0  Lord  God,  cause  righteous- 
ness and  praise  to  spring  forth  before  all  the  na- 
tions. Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God,  yea, 
let  all  the  people  praise  thee. 

Put  thy  Spirit  into  the  hearts  of  thy  servants 
whom  thou  hast  called  to  preach  thy  living  word. 
Beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  that  preach  the  gos- 
pel of  peace,  and  bring  the  glad  tidings  of  salva- 
tion 1  May  they  go  forth  on  this  mission  of  mer- 
cy, guided  by  thy  truth,  sustained  by  thy  power, 
and  animated  by  thy  Spirit.     May  they  go  forth, 


'   ADVENT — CHRISTMAS— EPIPHANY.  41 

preaching  repentance  for  the  remission  of  sins. 
May  they  go  forth,  making  disciples  of  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  until  the  king- 
doms of  the  world  become  the  kingdoms  of 
Christ,  and  righteousness  and  peace  cover  the  face 
of  the  earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the  seal 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  bless  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  the  mer- 
cies bestowed  upon  us  this  day.  We  humble 
ourselves  before  thee  as  unworthy  sinners,  be- 
seeching thee  to  watch  over  us  this  night,  and  to 
protect  us  from  all  the  evils  to  which  we  may  be 
exposed.  Above  all,  keep  us  from  sin,  and  from 
all  the  wiles  of  the  adversary.  Let  us  repose  un- 
der the  shadow  of  thy  wing,  till  every  danger  be 
over,  and  we  are  brought  again  before  thee,  to  re- 
new our  prayers  and  praises,  and  to  enter  again 
upon  our  respective  duties. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0 
Father,  and  thee,  0  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor 
and  glory,  world  without  end.     Amen, 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 


I 


0  Lord  God  Almighty,  we  bless  thee  for  another 
opportunity  of  coming  into  thy  presence.     We 


42  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  * 

adore  thee,  as  tlie  Creator  and  the  Governor  of 
the  world.  Thou  hast  abundantly  provided  for 
the  wants  of  thy  creatures.  Thou  hast  ordered 
the  day  and  the  night  to  succeed  each  other ;  and 
when  thou  hast  refreshed  man  with  sleep,  thou 
again  permittest  him  to  pursue  his  work  until 
the  evening.  We  bless  thee  for  thy  daily  mer- 
cies; and  especially  that  while  thy  providence 
provides  our  lot  in  this  life,  thou  hast  been  graci- 
ciously  pleased  to  set  before  us  the  joys  and  con- 
solations of  the  world  to  come.  We  glorify  thee 
for  the  gift  of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  by  whose 
gospel  life  and  immortality  are  brought  to  light, 
and  through  which  we  are  instructed  in  those 
things  which  concern  our  salvation.  We  bless 
thee  for  the  pardon  of  sin,  through  faith  in  the 
Kedeemer;  for  the  guidance  and  protection  of  thy 
providence;  and  for  the  consolations  and  teach- 
ings of  thy  Spirit.  We  thank  thee  for  thy  writ- 
ten word;  for  thy  ministry  and  ordinances;  and 
for  all  other  means  of  grace  which  we  are  per- 
mitted to  enjoy. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we  may  this  day  . 
pursue,  with  fidelity  and  diligence,  our  alloted 
work ;  and  that,  in  the  midst  of  our  worldly  oc- 
cupations, we  may  be  enabled,  by  thy  help,  to 
maintain  a  spiritual  and  heavenly  mind.  Let  us 
remember  the  solemn  truth,  that  in  the  midst  of 
life  we  are  in  death ;  and  let  us  so  live  this  day, 
that  if  it  should  prove  our  last,  it  may  not  be 
spent  in  vain.     Save  us  from  the  sins  which  most 


ADVENT — CHKISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  43 

easily  beset  us.  Leave  us  not  to  the  natural  dis- 
positions of  our  own  hearts,  which  are  corrupt 
and  ever  inclining  us  to  evil :  But  put  thy  Spirit 
within  us,  and  teach  us  to  cultivate  every  Chris- 
tian temper,  and  to  abound  in  every  good  work. 
Strengthen  our  faith  in  the  glorious  promises  of 
the  gospel ;  and  fill  us  with  such  joy  and  peace  in 
believing,  that  we  may  submit  with  cheerful  res- 
ignation to  any  sacrifice  which,  in  thy  holy  provi- 
dence, thou  shalt  require  of  us.  Dispose  us  to 
bear  affliction  with  a  patient  and  humble  spirit : 
Or,  if  thou  shouldst  give  us  prosperity,  make  us 
ever  watchful  over  ourselves,  and  teach  us  mod- 
eration in  our  enjoyments.  Let  us  impart  freely 
to  others  the  good  gifts  which  thou  bestowest 
upon  us.  Inspire  us  with  zeal  in  the  fulfillment 
of  our  relative  duties ;  with  integrity  in  our  deal- 
ings; and  the  spirit  of  kindness  to  all  men.  Let 
us  faithfully  examine  ourselves ;  that  so,  advanc- 
ing daily  in  self-knowledge,  we  may  finally  pre- 
vail over  our  several  infirmities.  Thus  may  we 
grow  in  grace,  and  in  all  goodness,  and  in  fitness 
and  preparation  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

We  pray  for  thy  blessing  on  all  our  friends 
and  relations.  May  they  be  filled  with  a  know- 
ledge of  thy  will,  in  all  wisdom  and  spiritual  un- 
derstanding;  and  may  we,  and  they,  be  of  one 
heart  and  one  mind,  loving  each  other  as  brethren 
in  Christ,  and  uniting  •  our  endeavors  to  promote 
the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  mankind. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 


44  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIfHANY. 

Have  mercy  on  tlie  poor  and  the  afflicted; 
strengthen  the  weak;  succor  the  tempted;  and 
guide  the  ignorant  into  the  way  of  knowledge. 
Bless  the  rising  generation ;  save  them  from  the 
dangers  of  this  evil  world ;  sanctify  to  them  the 
events  which  shall  befall  them;  make  them  instru- 
ments in  thy  hand  for  the  advancement  of  the 
interests  of  thy  Church  on  earth,  and  qualify  them 
by  thy  grace,  to  become  members  of  thy  blessed 
family  in  heaven. 

We  offer  these  our  humble  and  imperfect  pray- 
ers, in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and 
Saviour.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING. 

0  God,  who  hast  appointed  a  day  in  which 
thou  wilt  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  give 
us  grace  so  to  try  and  judge  ourselves,  that  we  be 
not  finally  condemned  at  the  judgment  seat  of 
Christ.  Dispose  us  daily  to  examine  both  our 
hearts  and  lives,  by  the  rule  of  thy  holy  law ; 
remembering  always,  that  our  most  secret  thoughts 
are  open  to  thee,  and  that  nothing  is  hidden  from 
thy  view.  Grant  us  true  and  sincere  repentance 
for  whatever  sins  we  have  committed  against  thee, 
either  in  thought,  word,  or  deed,  and  for  thy  dear 
Son's  sake,  forgive  us  all  our  transgressions. 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  46 

We  confess  that  we  too  easily  forget  the  prize  of 
our  high  calling  in  Christ  Jesus.  Thou  hast  sent 
thy  Son  from  heaven  to  save  us.  Thou  hast  in- 
vited us  by  thy  promises,  and  restrained  us  by 
the  admonitions  of  thy  word.  Thou  hast  set 
before  us  an  inheritance  incorruptible  and  unde- 
filed,  and  that  fadeth  not  away :  And  thou  hast 
warned  us  of  a  worm  that  never  dieth,  and  of  a 
fire  that  is  not  quenched.  Suffer  us  not  to  harden 
our  hearts  against  thy  invitations  and  threaten- 
ings.  May  thy  Holy  Spirit  impress  our  minds 
with  a  deep  sense  of  the  importance  of  eternal 
things.  May  we  labor  to  make  our  calling  and 
election  sure.  May  we  be  diligent  while  the  day 
of  probation  remains;  knowing  that  we  must 
soon  put  off  these  mortal  bodies,  and  that  the 
coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  at  hand. 

We  thank  thee  for  the  rest  and  comforts  of  thy 
holy  sabbaths ;  for  the  gift  of  thy  sacred  word ; 
for  the  ministry  and  ordinances  of  thy  Church ; . 
for  the  abundant  light  and  knowledge  shed  abroad 
in  our  land ;  and  for  every  opportunity  of  becom- 
ing wise  unto  salvation.  Grive  us  grace  so  to  im- 
prove these  great  benefits,  that  we  may  finally 
fall  not  under  thy  just  condemnation. 

Assist  us,  this  night,  to  look  up  to  thee  with 
pure  and  humble  hearts.  Let  us  commit  our- 
selves to  thy  gracious  care  and  keeping ;  sensible 
of  thy  constant  presence  with  us ;  and  earnestly 
desiring  to  partake  both  of  thy  favor  here,  and 
of  those  joys  which  are  at  thy  right  hand  forever- 


46  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

more.  And  let  not  tlie  cares  and  anxieties  of  life, 
nor  the  lawful  pursuits  in  which  we  may  engage, 
withdraw  our  meditations  from  the  concerns  of  a 
better  world. 

We  pray  thee  to  bestow  thy  blessing  on  our 
dear  friends  and  relations ;  on  our  country  and 
constituted  authorities ;  and  on  all  for  whom  we 
are  bound  to  pray.  Pity  those  who  are  afflicted, 
and  those  who  shall  pass  this  night  in  watchful- 
ness or  pain.  Succor  the  tempted.  Give  peace 
to  those  who  are  troubled  in  mind.  Be  thou  a 
Father  to  the  fatherless,  and  a  God  of  consolation 
to  those  who  are  desolate  and  oppressed.  And 
give  us  all  grace,  that  we  may  abound  in  charity 
one  towards  another,  and  do  good  unto  all  men, 
according  to  our  Lord's  example  and  command- 
ment. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Pardon  the  imperfection  of  these  our  humble 
supplications;  and  grant  unto  us  whatsoever 
things  thou  knowest  to  be  needful  for  us,  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour, 
Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  47 

POR  THE^VENINO  BEPORE  CHRISTMAS. 

Almighty  God  and  heavenly  Father,  we  come 
before  thee  with  fear  and  trembling.  "We  are  sur- 
rounded by  the  bounties  of  thy  providence.  We 
are  refreshed  and  comforted  by  the  visitations  of 
thy  Spirit.  But  we  feel  our  unworthiness.  We 
are  bowed  down  under  a  sense  of  our  guilt.  Too 
often  have  we  forgotten  thy  goodness.  Too  often 
have  our  hearts  been  turned  away  from  thee.  Too 
often  have  we  walked  in  the  ways  of  the  wicked, 
and  neglected  thy  holy  commandments.  0  God, 
look  down  upon  us  in  pity,  and  pardon  all  our 
offences.  For  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son,  whom 
thou  hast  sent  to  be  a  propitiation  for  our  sins,  be 
merciful  unto  us,  and  forgive  us  all  our  transgres- 
sions. We  cast  ourselves  down,  in  humble  de- 
pendence on  thy  protecting  care  this  night. 
Guard  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  all  evil.  Give 
rest  to  our  wearied  bodies,  and  peace  and  comfort 
to  our  burdened  souls.  Prepare  our  hearts,  by 
thy  grace,  for  the  solemnities  of  the  ensuing  day, 
and  for  the  due  commemoration  of  the  wonders 
of  redeeming  love — the  great  mystery  of  godli- 
ness, God  manifest  in  the  flesh.  Teach  us  to  re- 
member how  low  we  were  fallen,  when  thine  In- 
carnate Son,  Jesus  Christ,  came  into  the  world,  to 
save  us  from  endless  woe.  Through  his  blessed 
mediation,  thou  hast  delivered  our  souls  from 
death,  and  our  eyes  from  tears,  and  our  feet  from 
falling.     We  will  give  thanks  unto  thee.  O  Lord, 


48  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS— EPIPHANY. 

for  thou  art  gracious,  and  thy  mercy  endureth 
forever.  Thou  art  our  strength  and  our  salva- 
tion. Thy  right  hand  bringeth  mighty  things  to 
pass.  The  same  stone  which  the  builders  refused, 
has  become  the  head  of  the  corner.  Grant,  O 
God,  that  it  may  never  prove  to  us  a  stone  of 
stumbhng  and  a  rock  of  offence.  Grant  us  grace 
to  say,  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord.  Blessed  is  the  day  which  God  hath 
made  glorious.  Open  unto  us  the  gates  of  right- 
eousness, that  we  may  go  into  them,  and  give 
thanks  unto  the  Lord.  May  we  wash  our  hands 
in  innocency,  and  so  may  we  go  to  thine  altar. 
May  we  receive  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  pay  our 
vows  unto  thee  in  the  presence  of  all  thy  people. 
May  we  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanks- 
giving in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  call  faithfully 
upon  thy  name. 

Grant  heavenly  Father,  that  the  light  of  the 
blessed  gospel  may  shine  upon  all  nations ;  that 
darkness  may  no  longer  cover  the  earth,  nor  thick 
darkness  the  people.  May  the  Gentiles  come  to 
the  light,  and  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  Cause  all  men  to 
know  thee,  from  the  greatest  to  the  least.  Let 
them  gather  themselves  together,  and  come  unto 
thee.  Let  them  fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as  doves  to 
their  windows.  And  hasten,  0  Lord,  the  fulfill- 
ment of  thy  promise,  that  a  little  one  shall  become 
a  thousand,  and  a  small  one  a  strong  nation. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 


ADVENT — CHKISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  49 

We  commend  to  thy  mercj  and  grace,  all  who 
are  near  and  dear  to  ns.  Be  thou,  0  God,  their 
strength  and  defence,  and  (everlasting  consolation, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with 
thee,  0  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor 
and  glory,  world  without  end.     Amen, 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


CHRISTMAS  DAY-MORNING. 

Glory  be  to  thee,  0  God.  We  praise  thee,  we 
bless  thee,  we  worship  thee,  we  glorify  thee,  we 
give  thanks  unto  thee,  for  thy  great  glory,  0  Lord 
God,  heavenly  King,  God  the  Father  Almighty. 
Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  our  humble  thanks  for 
thy  manifold  and  great  mercies.  We  bless  thee 
especially  for  thine  unspeakable  love,  in  sending, 
as  on  this  day,  thy  well-beloved  Son,  to  take  our 
nature  upon  him,  and  to  be  made  in  the  likeness 
of  sinful  flesh,  that  he  might  save  us  from  our 
sins.  We  rejoice  that  unto  us  a  child  is  born  ; 
that  unto  us  a  Son  is  given.  With  the  multitude 
of  the  heavenly  host,  we  joyfully  unite  in  ascrib- 
ing glory  to  thee  in  the  highest,  for  peace  on  earth, 
and  good  will  towards  men.  We  praise  thee  for 
revealing  to  us  the  great  mystery  of  godliness,  by 
which  mercy  and  truth  have  met  together,  and 
righteousness  and  peace  have  embraced  each  other. 


60  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

Help  US,  0  God,  to  employ  this  day  in  meditating 
on  this  great  work  of  redemption,  that  so  we  may 
give  unto  thee  the  glory  due  unto  thy  name,  and 
oflfer  unto  thee  an  acceptable  worship. 

0  thou  great  and  glorious  Eedeemer,  we  adore 
thee  for  thy  wonderful  condescension,  in  leaving 
the  glory  which  thou  hadst  with  the  Father,  be- 
fore the  world  began.  Though  thou  wast  rich, 
yet  for  our  sakes  thou  didst  become  poor,  that  we, 
through  thy  poverty,  might  be  made  rich.  We 
beseech  thee  by  the  mystery  of  thy  holy  incarna- 
tion and  nativity,  to  deliver  us  from  all  iniquity. 
0  Son  of  David,  have  mercy  upon  us.  Thou, 
who  didst  come  that  we  might  have  life,  and  have 
it  more  abundantly,  be  gracious  unto  us.  Thou, 
who^wast  called  Jesus  that  thou  mightest  save  thy 
people  from  their  sins,  save  us  and  help  us,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee.  Grant  that  we,  being  re- 
generate, and  made  thy  children  by  adoption  and 
grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
and  follow  the  blessed  steps  of  thy  most  holy 
life. 

Grant  us,  O  Lord,  thy  special  blessing  this  day. 
May  we  ,pour  out  our  hearts  before  thee,  with 
joy  and  praise,  in  the  congregation  of  thy  people. 
And  may  we,  on  every  return  of  this  season,  so 
profit  by  the  holy  institutions  of  the  Church  in 
which  thy  good  providence  hath  placed  us,  that 
when  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall  appear  a  second 
time,  we  may  also  appear  with  him  in  glory. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  51 

Hear  us  further,  heavenly  Father,  and  grant 
that  the  glad  tidings  which  we  commemorate  this 
day,  may  be  made  known  to  all  people.  Let  the 
promised  seed  of  the  woman  bruise  the  serpent's 
head.  May  the  root  which  hath  sprung  out  of 
Jesse  send  forth  branches  on  the  right  hand  and 
on  the  left ;  and  may  the  natural  branches,  which 
have  been  so  long  broken  ofiP,  even  thy  people 
Israel,  be  again  grafted  on  their  own  olive  tree. 
Have  compassion,  also,  on  those  who  have  never 
heard  of  the  coming  of  our  blessed  Lord  in  the 
flesh.  In  him  who  hath  risen  to  rule  over  the 
Gentiles,  let  the  Gentiles  trust,  and  find  his  rest  to 
be  glorious.  Mercifully  with  thy  favor  look  upon 
the  whole  Christian  world.  May  all  that  name 
the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity.  Espe- 
cially preserve  them  from  turning  this  sacred  sea- 
son into  an  occasion  of  revelling  and  unholy 
mirth.  Let  them,  as  Christians,  rejoice  in  Christ 
their  Saviour;  and  let  thy  grace  teach  them  to 
deny  all  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to 
live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  pres- 
ent world. 

We  ask  for  all  in  the  name  of  Him,  in  whom 
dwelleth  all  the  fullness  of  the  Godhead.  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


62  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

CHRISTMAS  DAT-EVENING. 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer 
eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity,  we  approach  thy 
throne  in  humble  reliance  on  thy  long-suffering 
mercy  and  goodness.  We  acknowledge  our  un- 
worthiness,  and  hope  for  acceptance,  only  through 
the  gracious  intercession  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  Thou  declarest  thy  almighty  power, 
chiefly  in  showing  mercy  and  pity.  Thou  hast 
not  stretched  forth  the  right  hand  of  thy  majesty, 
to  avenge  thee  of  thine  enemies ;  but  with  thine 
own  arm  thou  hast  wrought  out  redemption  for  us. 
Thou  hast  not  sent  thy  Son  into  the  world  to  con- 
demn the  world,  but  that  the  world,  through  him, 
might  be  saved. 

We  bless  thee  for  revealing  to  us  this  great 
mystery,  which  was  hid  from  ages  and  generations, 
but  is  now  made  manifest  to  the  sons  of  men. 
We  rejoice  that  unto  us  was  born,  as  on  this  day, 
a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord.  Our  souls 
do  magnify  the  Lord,  and  our  spirits  do  rejoice  in 
God  our  Saviour.  Blessed  be  thou,  the  God  of 
Israel,  for  visiting  and  redeeming  thy  people,  and 
raising  up  a  mighty  salvation  for  them ;  for  per- 
forming the  promise  made  unto  their  fathers,  and 
for  keeping  in  remembrance  thy  holy  covenant. 
Praised  be  thy  name  for  sending  forth  in  the  full- 
ness of  time,  thy  only  begotten  Son,  made  of  a 
woman,  made  under  the  law,  that  we  might  re- 
ceive the  adoption  of  sons.     Glory  be  unto  thee, 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  63 

for  causing  thy  ]oving  kindness  towards  ns  to 
appear. 

O  thou,  who  wast  in  Christ,  reconciling  the 
world  unto  thyself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses 
unto  them,  forgive  us  all  our  transgressions. 
Through  him,  who  was  made  in  the  likeness  of 
sinful  flesh,  and  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that 
which  was  lost,  have  mercy  upon  us.  By  the  mys- 
tery of  his  holy  incarnation  and  nativity,  good  Lord 
deliver  us.  And  since  thy  blessed  Son  was  mani- 
fested, that  he  might  destroy  the  works  of  the 
devil,  and  make  us  the  children  of  God,  and  heirs 
of  eternal  life,  grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  having 
this  hope,  we  may  purify  ourselves,  even  as  he  is 
pure;  and  that,  when  he  shall  come  again,  in 
power  and  great  glory,  we  may  be  made  Ijke 
unto  him  in  his  eternal  and  glorious  kingdom. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &;c.] 

We  pray  thee,  heavenly  Father,  that  through 
thy  tender  mercies,  the  day-spring  from  on  high, 
which  hath  visited  us,  may  arise  and  shine  upon 
the  nations  that  are  sitting  in  darkness  and  in  the 
shadow  of  death,  to  guide  their  feet  into  the  way 
of  peace.  Grant  that  it  may  be  both  a  light  to 
lighten  the  Gentiles  and  the  glory  of  thy  people 
Israel.  Eaise  up,  we  beseech  thee,  faithful  and 
able  ministers  of  the  New  Testament,  to  go  before 
the  face  of  the  Lord,  to  prepare  his  ways,  to  give 
knowledge  of  salvation  to  his  people,  by  the  re- 
mission of  their  sins. 

Pour  down  thy  grace  and  heavenly  benediction 


64  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

upon  all  who  are  called  Christians.  May  the  chil- 
dren of  Zion  be  joyful  in  their  King !  And  may 
they  so  truly  follow  the  blessed  steps  of  their  Lord 
and  Master,  that  they  may  be  saved  by  his  mercy, 
in  the  great  day  of  his  appearing  and  glory.  Grant 
this,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  our  only  Lord  and 
Saviour.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Unto  God's  gracious  mercy  and  protection,  we 
commit  ourselves,  and  all  who  are  dear  to  us. 
The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us.  The  Lord  make 
his  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  gracious  unto  us. 
The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  us,  and 
give  us  peace  both  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


LAST  EVENING  OF  THE  YEAR. 

Almighty  and  eternal  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
with  whom  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of 
turning,  who  art  the  same,  yesterday,  and  to-day, 
and  forever,  and  whose  years  fail  not — from  ever- 
lasting to  everlasting  thou  art  God. 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  our  sacrifice  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  for  thy  goodness  and  mercy, 
which  have  followed  us  all  our  days.  We  espe- 
cially bless  thee  for  delivering  us  from  the  perils 
and  dangers  of  the  year  that  is  now  drawing  to  a 
c^.o^e.  Not  by  our  own  strength,  nor  for  our 
righteousness,  have  we  been  spared.  But  because 
thy  compassions  fail   not,   and   for  thy   mercy's 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  55 

sake,  we  have  not  been  consumed.  Our  sins  are 
all  naked  and  open  unto  thee,  from  our  youth  up 
until  now.  We  humble  ourselves  before  thee, 
confessing  and  bewailing  all  that  we  have  done 
amiss.  Enter  not  into  judgment. with  us:  but 
spare  us,  according  to  thy  great  goodness.  Accor- 
ding to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  metcies,  blot 
out  our  ♦offences.  Pardon  and  accept  us,  for  the 
sake  of  *thy  only  begotten  Son,  whom  thou  didst 
send  into  the  world,  to  take  our  nature  upon  him, 
that  he  might  redeem  us  unto  thee  by  his  blood. 
Turn  us  from  our  iniquities  ;  wash  us  thoroughly 
from  our  wickedness ;  and  cleanse  us  from  our 
sins  ;  and  let  them  all  be  buried  with  the  closing 
year,  to  rise  up  against  us  no  more  forever. 

Keep  us  mindful,  0  Lord,  as  the  years  of  our 
life  pass  away,  that  the  end  of  all  things  is  at 
hand;  and  make  us  sober  and  watchful  unto 
prayer.  May  we  never  forget  that  we  are  strangers 
and  pilgrims  upon  earth,  and  that  here  we  have 
no  continuing  city  ;  and  may  we  learn  diligently 
to  seek  one  to  come.  Our  years  pass  away  like  a 
shadow,  or  a  vapor,  which  appeareth  for  a  little 
time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.  Lord,  teach  us 
so  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our 
hearts  unto  wisdom.  Make  us  to  know  our  end, 
and  the  measure  of  our  days,  that  we  may  con- 
sider how  frail  we  are,  and  may  be  admonished  to 
redeem  the  time  that  remains.  Give  us  grace  to 
watch  and  pray,  since  we  know  neither  the  day, 
nor  the  hour  when  the  Son  of  man  cometh.     May 


66  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

we  be  always  ready,  with  our  loins  girt  about, 
and  our  lights  burning:  that  whensoever  he  may 
say,  Behold,  I  come  quickly,  we  may  be  able  to 
reply,  Even  so,  come  Lord  Jesus.  Above  all,  we 
beseech  thee  to  preserve  in  our  minds,  a  lively 
remembrance,  that  it  is  appointed  unto  us  once  to 
die,  and  after  death  the  judgment ;  and  that  we 
shall,  every  one,  receive  the  things  done  in  the 
body,  according  to  that  we  have  done,  whether  it 
be  good  or  whether  it  be  evil.  May  we  so  regard 
thy  threatenings  and  promises,  that  when  we  die, 
we  may  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  our  last 
end  be  like  his.  Help  us  to  fight  the  good  fight, 
to  finish  our  course,  and  to  keep  the  faith,  that 
there  may  be  laid  up  for  us  a  crown  of  righteous- 
ness, which  thou,  the  righteous  andmercifulJudge, 
will  give  unto  us  in  that  day. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Hear  our  intercession,  0  Lord,  for  all  who  are 
partakers  of  the  same  frail  nature  with  ourselves. 
Take  the  little  children  into  the  arms  of  thy 
mercy,  and  bless  and  preserve  them.  Look  in 
tender  compassion  upon  those  who  are  in  the 
morning  of  their  years.  May  they  remember 
their  Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth,  before 
the  evil  days  come  and  the  years  draw  nigh,  of 
which  they  shall  say,  there  is  no  pleasure  in  them. 
May  they  seek  thee  early,  and  become,  in  name 
and  in  truth,  thy  sons  and  daughters.  May  they 
grow  in  wisdom,  as  they  grow  in  years,  and  in 
favor  with  thee    and  man.      Mercifully  regard, 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  67 

also,  such  as  are  in  tlie  strength  and  vigor  of  life; 
and  dispose  them  to  give  unto  thee  the  best  of 
their  days.  Lastly,  we  pray  thee  to  remember 
those  whose  strength  is  now  but  labor  and  sorrow. 
Enable  them  to  bring  forth  fruit  in  their  old  age, 
according  to  the  ability  which  yet  remains.  May 
they  come  to  their  graves  at  last,  as  a  shock  of 
corn  Cometh  in  his  season.  When  their  flesh  and 
their  heart  fail  them,  be  thou  the  strength  of  their 
heart,  and  their  portion  forever.  Grrant  all  this, 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Unto  God's  gracious  mercy  and  protection,  we 
commit  ourselves,  and  all  for  whom  we  are  bound 
to  pray.  The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us.  The 
Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  gra- 
cious unto  us.  The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance 
upon  us,  and  give  us  peace,  both  now  and  ever- 
more.    Amen. 


PIRST  MORNING  OF  THE  YEAR. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  livest  and 
abidest  forever — with  whom  one  day  is  as  a 
thousand,  and  a  thousand  years  as  one  day — who 
wast,  and  who  art,  and  who  art  to  come — thou 
hast  made  our  days  as  it  were  a  span  long: 
Our  age  is  as  nothing  in  respect  of  thee ;  and 
verily  every  man  living  is  altogether  vanity.  Sin 
having  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin, 


58  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

we  consume  away  in  thy  displeasure ;  and  are 
afraid  at  thy  wrathful  indignation.  Thou  hast  set 
our  misdeeds  before  thee,  and  our  secret  sins  in 
the  light  of  thy  countenance.  When  thou  art  • 
angry,  all  our  days  are  gone ;  we  bring  our  years  to 
an  end,  as  it  were  a  tale  that  is  told.  But  we  bless 
thee,  0  Lord,  for  thy  continued  goodness  and  for- 
bearance. We  bless  thee,  that  though  in  Adam 
all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 
We  praise  thee  for  the  gift  of  him,  who  was  mani- 
fest in  the  flesh,  that  he  might  destroy  death ;  and 
hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  by  the 
gospel ;  in  whom  whosoever  believeth  shall  live, 
though  he  die ;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  be- 
lieveth in  him  shall  not  die  eternally.  We  give 
thee  thanks,  also,  heavenly  Father,  for  sparing  us 
from  year  to  year,  and  for  giving  us  further  space 
for  trial  and  amendment.  And  we  beseech  thee 
still  to  spare  us,  0  Lord  most  holy,  0  God  most 
mighty ;  and,  at  last,  to  deliver  us  from  the  bitter 
pains  of  eternal  death. 

May  thy  great  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance. 
With  this  new  year,  may  we  begin  a  new  life,  and 
engage  in  our  Christian  course  with  fresh  ardor. 
Quicken  us  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  and  en- 
able us  to  present  ourselves  a  living  sacrifice,  holy, 
acceptable  unto  thee,  which  is  our  reasonable  ser- 
vice. And,  as  on  this  day,  thou  didst  make  thy 
blessed  Son  to  be  circumcised,  and  obedient  to 
the  law  for  man,  we  beseech  thee  to  grant  unto  us 
the  true  circumcision  of  the  spirit ;  that  our  hearts 


ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY.  59 

and  all  our  members  being  mortified  from  all 
worldly  and  carnal  lusts,  we  may  in  all  things 
obey  thy  blessed  will. 

O  Lord,  let  us  never  forget  the  solemn  and 
affecting  truth,  that  this  year  may  be  our  last. 
May  we  not  boast  ourselves  even  of  to-morrow ; 
for  we  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  and 
there  may  be  but  a  step  between  us  and  death. 
Enable  us  to  work  while  it  is  called  to-day,  before 
the  night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work. 
Whatever  good  our  hand  findeth  to  do,  may  we 
do  it  with  all  our  might ;  for  there  is  no  work, 
nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom,  in  the 
grave,  whither  we  are  going. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &;c.] 

Grant  thy  blessing,  heavenly  Father,  to  our  fel- 
lovr-creatures,  and  especially  our  friends  and  rela- 
tives, according  to  their  several  necessities.  Be 
merciful  to  those  who  have  lived  all  the  years  of 
their  life  in  carelessness  and  sin.  Give  them 
grace  to  think  on  their  ways,  and  to  turn  their 
feet  unto  thy  testimonies,  before  the  things  that 
belong  to  their  peace  be  forever  hidden  from  their 
eyes.  Turn  the  hearts  of  those  who  have  set 
their  affections  on  this  world,  and  are  minding 
only  earthly  things.  Touch  the  minds  of  all  who 
are  putting  off  their  repentance  from  year  to 
year,  with  the  awful  thought  that  hereafter  they 
may  find  no  place  for  repentance,  though  they 
may  seek  it  carefully,  and  with  tears.  Cause 
them  to  see,  that  now  is  the  accepted  time,  that 


60  ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 

now  is  the  day  of  salvation.  Look  in  pity  upon 
those  who,  having  once  escaped  the  pollution  of 
the  world,  are  again  entangled  therein  and  over- 
come. Burst  their  chains  of  bondage,  and  bring 
them  into  the  perfect  liberty  of  thy  children.  Be 
gracious  unto  all  who  have  chosen  that  good  part, 
which  none  can  take  from  them.  May  they  go  on 
from  strength  to  strength,  till  every  one  appear 
before  thee  in  Zion.  Finally,  we  beseech  thee  to 
look  with  special  favor  upon  those,  the  days  of 
whose  pilgrimage  are  drawing  to  a  close,  and  the 
time  of  whose  departure  is  at  hand.  Even  in 
their  old  age  be  thou  with  them ;  and  in  their 
hoary  hairs  do  thou  support  them.  And,  when 
thou  hast  guided  them  here  by  thy  counsel,  re- 
ceive them  hereafter  to  the  kingdom  of  thy  glory, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


EPIPHANY-MORNING. 

[To  be  used  with  the  other  prayers,  in  the  morning  of  the  Feast  of  Epiph- 
any, the  6th  of  January,  whether  it  falls  on  Sunday  or  any  other  day.] 

0  God,  who  by  the  leading  of  a  star,  didst 
manifest  thy  only  begotten  Son  to  the  Gentiles ; 
mercifully  grant  that  we,  who  know  thee  now 
by  faith,  may  after  this  life  have  the  fruition  of 
thy  glorious  Godhead,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 


OurTatiier,  &c. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  the  Creator 
and  Preserver  of  all  mankind,  who  hast  brought 
us  in  safety  to  the  beginning  of  this  holy  day,  give 
us  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to  appear  before  thy 
Divine  Majesty,  humbled  under  a  sense  of  our 
unworthiness,  and  looking  up  to  thee  for  mercy 
and  forgiveness.  Have  compassion  on  our  infirm- 
ity and  ignorance,  and  teach  us,  by  thy  good 
Spirit,  how  to  pray. 

May  we,  as  a  household,  enter  into  thy  presence 
with  fear  and  trembling.  We  acknowledge  all 
our  transgressions,  and  our  sins  are  ever  before  us. 
Endue  us,  heavenly  Father,  with  the  graces  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  amend  our  lives  accord 
ing  to  thy  Holy  Word,  and  do  all  things  hereafter 
to  thine  acceptance.  As  our  blessed  Saviour,  who 
died  for  our  sins,  did,  as  on  this  day,  rise  again 
from  the  dead,  so  may  we  be  raised  by  thy  power, 
to  newness  of  spirit,  and  daily  advance  in  all  vir- 
tue and  godliness  of  life. 

0,  thou  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  who  hast  been 
6 


62 

pleased,  for  thine  own  glory,  and  for  the  benefit 
of  thy  creatures,  to  set  apart  one  day  out  of  seven, 
to  be  kept  holy  to  thyself,  give  us  grace,  that  we 
may  sanctify  thy  appointment,  to  the  Lonor  of  thy 
holy  name,  and  the  good  of  our  own  souls. 

O  thou,  who  reignest  in  heaven  and  over  all 
thy  works,  behold  with  compassion  thy  sinful 
creatures,  dwelling  on  earth.  And  grant  that  we 
may  worship  thee  this  day  with  due  reverence  and 
submission,  both  in  body  and  spirit ;  and,  fulfill, 
we  pray  thee,  thy  gracious  promise,  that  where 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  thy  name, 
there  wilt  thou  be  in  the  midst  of  them. 

Guard  us  against  the  sins  and  temptations  which 
may  beset  us  in  thy  house  of  prayer,  and  especially 
against  all  irreverence  and  indifference.  Give  us 
grace  to  be  engaged  in  the  services  of  thy  Church, 
that  they  may  be  acceptable  unto  thee,  and  profit- 
able to  our  own  souls.  Bless  the  instructions 
which  may  this  day  be  given  in  the  name  of 
Christ ;  that  it  may  fall  upon  serious  and  devoted 
hearts,  to  the  edification  and  improvement  of  thy 
people.  Incline  us  to  hear  thy  word  with  atten- 
tion, and  to  receive  it  with  meekness  and  gladness 
of  heart.  Dispose  and  prepare  our  souls  to  receive 
the  full  benefit  of  thy  holy  ordinances.  Grant 
that  the  fruits  of  our  religious  exercises  this  day 
may  be  seen  in  our  Christian  conduct  during  the 
remainder  of  the  week ;  and,  may  each  succeeding 
Lord's  day  find  us  advancing  in  the  great  work  of 
our  salvation,  and  better  prepared  for  that  eternal 


63 

rest  whicli  remains  "for  the  faithful  servants  of  thy 
blessed  Son. 

0  Lord  God,  who  art  the  Father  of  all  mankind, 
receive,  we  beseech  thee,  our  supplications  for  the 
universal  Church  of  Christ.  Pour  out  thy  Spirit 
upon  its  bishops,  priests,  and  deacons,  and  all  its 
members;  and,  finally,  bring  into  its  bosom  all 
those,  throughout  the  world,  on  whom  the  light 
of  the  gospel  has  not  yet  shone.  And,  may  all 
who  have  received  the  word  of  salvation,  contri- 
bute, in  their  several  stations,  to  the  promotion  of 
thy  glory,  and  the  extension  of  the  kingdom  of 
thy  dear  Son  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  by' a  life  of 
holiness,  and  unity,  and  godly  love. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  0  heavenly  Father, 
this  imperfect  expression  of  our  wants  and  desires ; 
and,  grant  unto  thy  servants  whatever  is  most 
expedient  for  them,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SUNDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  and  heavenly  Father,  by  whose 
merciful  providence  we  are  brought  to  the  evening 
of  this  holy  day,  we  meet  together  to  acknowledge 
thy  goodness,  and  to  ask  for  the  continuance  of 


64 

thy  guardianship  and  protection.  Make  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  more  sensible  of  thy  mercies,  and  of 
our  own  un worthiness ;  and,  teach  us  duly  to  value 
and  improve  the  privilege  of  drawing  near  to  thee 
in  prayer,  through  faith  in  thy  blessed  Son. 

We  bless  thee  for  all  our  opportunities  of  serv- 
ing thee,  and  for  all  the  means  of  grace  which  thou 
hast  bestowed  upon  us ;  that  thou  hast  revealed 
thyself  to  us  in  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ ;  that 
we  have  been  admitted  into  his  holy  Church,  by 
baptism ;  and,  that  our  lot  has  been  cast  in  a  land 
where  the  true  light  shineth.  Give  us  grace,  we 
beseech  thee,  to  use  these  blessings  to  our  own 
good  and  thy  glory. 

We  thank  thee,  most  merciful  Lord,  that  thou 
hast  permitted  us  this  day  to  appear  before  thee 
with  the  offering  of  prayer  and  praise.  Grant  that 
we  may  not  have  gone  to  thine  house  in  vain.  Par- 
don all  the  imperfections  of  our  acts  of  worship ; 
our  coldness  of  heart ;  our  wandering  thoughts ; 
our  want  of  faith.  Give  us,  for  the  time  to  come, 
an  unwearied  spirit  of  devotion,  and  a  heart  to 
love  and  fear  thee.  Help  us  to  grow  in  grace,  and 
in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ. 

As  thou  hast  graciously  promised  to  hear  the 
petitions  of  all  those  who  ask  in  thy  son's  name, 
grant  that  the  things  which  we  have  this  day 
asked  faithfully,  may  be  obtained  effectually,  to 
the  relief  of  our  necessities,  and  to  the  setting  forth 
of  thy  glory. 


SEPTUAGESIMA,    ETC.  65 

Most  merciful  God,  we  beseech  tliee,  accept  tlie 
praises,  and  return  a  gracious  answer  to  the  prayers 
of  thy  Church,  which  have  been  offered  up  to  thee 
this  day.  Grant  to  us,  and  to  all  thy  people,  that 
the  lessons  of  instruction  which  we  have  heard, 
may  be  carefully  remembered,  and  diligently  fol- 
lowed. Let  the  good  seed  of  thy  word  take  deep 
root  in  our  hearts,  and  bring  forth  much  fruit,  to 
the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 

May  every  holy  thought,  and  every  devout 
desire,  implanted  in  our  hearts  by  thy  blessed 
spirit,  be  brought  to  good  effect.  Let  the  solemn 
ordinances  of  the  gospel  be  made,  by  thy  blessing, 
the  means  of  increasing  amongst  us  true  religion 
and  virtue.  Grant  to  all  those  who  attend  thee  in 
godly  sincerity,  a  groA^th  in  grace  and  good  living ; 
and,  that  those  who  neglect  them  may  be  brought 
to  true  repentance,  and  an  obedient  heart. 

Continue  to  us,  and  to  thy  universal  Church,  the 
means  of  grace  and  salvation ;  that  thy  way  may 
be  known  upon  earth,  and  thy  saving  health  to  all 
nations. 

[Occasional  Prayers.] 

We  desire  now  to  commend  ourselves,  and  all 
for  whom  we  are  in  duty  bound  to  pray,  to  the 
care  and  protection  of  thy  good  Providence.  De- 
fend us  from  all  the  perils  and  dangers  of  this 
night;  and,  if  it  please  thee  to  bring  us  to  the 
beginning  of  another  day,  give  us  grace  to  improve 
it  faithfully  to  thy  service,  through  Jesus  Christ, 

our  Lord.     Amen,        The  grace,  &c. 
6* 


66  SEPTUAGESII^A,    ETC. 

MONDAY  MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  by  whom  the  whole  world  is  governed 
and  preserved,  we,  thine  unworthy  creatures^ 
under  a  thankful  sense  of  thy  providential  care, 
draw  nigh  unto  thee  to  offer  our  morning  sacrifice 
of  prayer  and  praise. 

Thou,  Lord,  art  about  our  path,  and  about  our 
bed,  and  spiest  out  all  our  ways.  There  is  noth- 
ing hid  from  thee ;  not  a  thought  or  intent  of  our 
heart  but  thou  knowest  it  altogether.  K  thine 
all-seeing  eye  beholdeth  aught  in  us  to  offend  thee, 
enable  us  by  thy  grace  to  discover  and  cast  it  out, 
that  we  may  come  before  thee  with  the  preparation 
of  a  clean  heart,  and  a  pure  mind. 

We  thank  thee  for  thy  protection  and  preserva- 
tion during  the  past  night.  Continue  thy  good- 
ness to  us  through  this  day,  and  guard  us  from  all 
danger,  both  of  body  and  soul.  Suffer  us  not  to 
forget  the  instructive  lessons  taught  us  on  thy  day 
of  sacred  rest ;  but,  dispose  us  to  manifest,  in  all 
our  doings  of  this  da}^,  and  during  the  week,  the 
blessed  effects  of  thy  word  and  means  of  grace. 

We  thank  thee,  0  heavenly  Father,  for  the 
time  and  opportunity  which  thou  hast  given  us  to 
serve  thee;  and,  we  acknowledge  that  we  have 
most  ungratefully  wasted  and  misused  these  thy 
precious  gifts.  May  we  repent  of  this  our  wicked- 
ness, and  hereafter  remember  that  every  moment 
is  given  to  be  used  in  thy  service,  and  in  doing 


67 

the  work  of  our  salvation.  0  may  we  have  time 
and  grace  to  finish  our  appointed  task,  before  the 
night  Cometh,  in  which  no  man  can  work. 

We  acknowledge  thy  numberless  mercies  to  us, 
and  to  all  mankind.  Make  us  duly  thankfal  for 
every  blessing ;  and  teach  us  to  shew  forth  thy 
praise,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by 
giving  ourselves  up  to  thy  service,  and  by  walk- 
ing before  thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all 
our  days.  Enable  us  to  resist  the  temptations  of 
the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil ;  and,  dispose 
us  to  follow,' in  all  things,  the  motions  of  thy  good 
spirit ;  not  trusting  in  our  own  strength  or  wisdom, 
but  looking  to  thee  alone  for  grace  to  establish  us 
in  every  good  word  and  work. 

Increase  in  us  true  religion ;  nourish  us  with  all 
goodness,  and  of  thy  great  mercy  keep  us  in  the 
same;  that  we  may  continue  thine  forever,  and 
daily  increase  in  thy  Holy  Spirit  more  and  more, 
till  we  come  to  thine  everlasting  kingdom. 

Be  pleased,  0  Lord,  to  receive  our  humble 
intercession  for  all  orders  and  degrees  of  man ;  for 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  all  others 
in  authority,  that  they  may  be  thy  ministers  to  us 
for  good ;  for  the  appointed  teachers  of  thy  word, 
and  pastors  of  thy  flock ;  and,  for  all  the  members 
of  thy  Church.  Grant  that  they  may  all  faithfully 
serve  thee  in  their  several  stations,  and  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour  in  all  things. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  beseech  thee  to  have  mercy  upon  all  who 


^  or  THE^ 


ETC. 

have  not  yet  known  thee.  Turn  them,  0  Lord, 
to  the  way  of  hfe ;  take  from  them  all  ignorance, 
hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  word; 
and,  save  them,  together  with  all  thy  faithful 
people,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator 
and  Redeemer.  Amen. 
The  grace,  &c. 


MONDAY  EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  rulest  in  heaven 
above,  and  in  the  earth  beneath,  thou  art  worthy 
to  be  praised  with  all  pure  and  holy  worship.  But 
how  can  we  appear  before  thee  ?  How  can  thy 
sinful  creatures  offer  thee  an  acceptable  service  ? 
What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him,  or  the 
son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  ? 

O  God,  our  Maker,  Preserver,  and  Guide,  it  is 
not  in  man  that  walketh,  to  direct  his  steps.  We 
are  not  able  of  ourselves  to  think  any  thing  as  of 
ourselves ;  but,  our  sufficiency  is  of  thee. 

We  do  not  presume  to  call  upon  thee,  0  Lord, 
trusting  in  our  own  righteousness,  but  in  thy 
manifold  and  great  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus.  We 
are  not  worthy  so  much  as  to  lift  up  our  hands 
unto  thee ;  but,  thy  property  is  always  to  have 
mercy ;  and,  thou  hast  graciously  promised  to  hear 
those  who  ask  in  thy  Son's  name.     For  his  sake, 


SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC.  69 

therefore,  be  pleased  to  listen  to  the  prayers  of  thy 
unworthy  servants. 

Pardon,  we  beseech  thee,  the  sins  of  which  we 
have  this  day  been  guilty ;  consider  the  weakness 
of  our  nature ;  and,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake,  be 
not  extreme  to  mark  what  is  done  amiss.  We 
magnify  thy  goodness,  which  has  so  long  spared 
us,  and  granted  us  so  much  time  for  repentance ; 
and,  we  beseech  thee  to  give  us  grace,  that  we 
may  henceforth  no  more  receive  thy  mercies  in 
vain.  Be  gracious,  0  Lord,  even  to  the  unthank- 
ful and  the  evil ;  and,  although  we  can  never 
deserve  thy  favors,  yet  we  beseech  thee  to  teach 
tis  to  value  and  improve  them  as  we  ought. 

Enable  us,  this  night,  to  shake  off  all  worldly 
cares  and  desires,  and  to  meditate  upon  thee 
and  thy  works.  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  be  pres- 
ent with  us,  to  purify  our  hearts,  to  bring 
before  us  the  things  which  concern  our  peace,  and 
to  inspire  us  with  godly  desires  and  resolutions. 

Above  all  things,  make  us  rightly  to  understand 
thine  infinite  mercy,  in  the  redemption  of  man- 
kind by  the  sacrifice  and  atonement  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  diligently  to  avail  ourselves  of 
all  our  privileges,  as  his  disciples,  and  thy  children 
by  adoption  and  grace. 

Look  down,  we  beseech  thee,  with  compassion, 
upon  all  thy  afiiicted  servants ;  grant  them  the 
comforts  of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  and,  in  thine  own 
good  time,  visit  and  relieve  them. 

Establish  thy  kingdom  in  the  hearts  of  men ; 


70  SEPTUAGESIMA,    ETC. 

make  tlie  gospel  successful  to  the  present  holiness 
and  eternal  welfare  of  us  all ;  and,  more  especiall}^, 
we  beg  thine  abundant  blessing  upon  the  holy 
Apostolic  Church,  to  whose  privileges  it  has 
pleased  thee  to  grant  us  admittance. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  heavenly  Father,  we  commit  ourselves  to  thy 
holy  care  and  keeping  this  night,;  and,  we  desire 
to  rest  securely  under  the  protection  of  thine 
almighty  arm.  Defend  us  from  all  perils  and  dan- 
gers, and  especially  from  those  which  may  assault 
and  hurt  the  soul.  Prepare  us,  by  quiet  and  com- 
fortable repose,  for  the  duties  of  the  morrow ;  and, 
grant  that  we  may  arise  disposed  and  strengthened 
for  thy  service,  as  faithful  and  diligent  disciples  of 
thy  blessed  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  the  King  eternal  and  invisible,  maker 
of  the  world  and  all  that  is  therein,  worthy  art 
thou  to  »receive  glory,  and  honor,  and  power ;  for, 
thou  hast  created  all  things,  and,  for  thy  pleasure, 
they  are  and  were  created.  In  thy  hand  is  our 
life ;  and  thine  are  all  our  ways :  we  are  thine  by 
creation  and  redemption ;  not  our  own,  but  bought 
with  a  price,  and  joined  to  thee  in  an  everlasting 


SEPTUAGESIMA,    ETC.  71 

covenant.  Thy  mercies  fail  not,  but  are  new  every 
morning.  We  are  not  worthy  of  the  least  of  them 
all ;  but,  thou  hast  commanded  us  to  draw  nigh 
unto  thee  in  prayer,  and  our  desire  is  unto  thy 
name. 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  our  morning  sacrifice 
of  prayer  and  praise ;  and  let  the  lifting  up  of  our 
hands,  and  the  words  of  our  mouth,  be  pleasing 
in  thy  sight,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

We  praise  thee  for  thy  goodness,  in  having 
brought  us  safely  to  the  beginning  of  another  day ; 
for  thy  preservation  of-  us  during  our  past  lives ; 
for  all  the  mercies  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon 
us,  notwithstanding  our  repeated  transgressions ; 
but,  especially  for  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  and 
in  Him  for  all  our  means  of  grace  and  hopes  of 
glory. 

In  the  midst  of  all  thy  goodness,  we  acknowledge 
our  unworthiness.  We  have  sinned  with  our 
fathers,  and  done  wickedly.  But,  0  Lord,  absolve 
us  from  our  offences;  pardon  the  sinfulness  of 
our  corrupt  nature,  and  the  transgressions  which, 
by  our  frailty,  we  have  committed ;  and,  deliver 
us  from  the  bonds  of  sin,  that  iniquity  may  not 
be  our  ruin. 

Give  us  grace,  that,  amidst  all  our  worldly  cares 
and  occupations,  we  may  never  forget  our  duty  to 
thee,  but  always  remember  that  we  are  walking  in 
thy  sight. 

Enable  us  to  subdue  all  unholy, desires,  so  that, 
denying  all  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  may 


7%  SEPTUAGESIMA,    ETC. 

live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present 
world. 

Preserve  us  from  idleness  and  negligence,  in  all 
the  concerns  both  of  the  body  and  the  soul ;  that 
we  may  not  be  slothful  in  business,  but  fervent  in 
spirit,  serving  the  Lord. 

Dispose  us  to  regard  one  another  with  brotherly 
affection  and  good  will ;  and,  enable  us  to  do  our 
duty  in  that  state  of  life  to  which  thou  hast  called 
us,  not  with  eye-service,  as  men-pleasers,  but  in 
singleness  of  heart,  fearing  thee. 

Be  pleased,  0  Lord,  to  comfort  and  succor  the 
poor,  the  sick,  and  the  afSicted.  Send  them  Help 
in  their  time  of  need ;  and,  dispose  us  to  do  good 
unto  all  men,  as  we  have  opportunity,  under  a 
thankful  sense  of  thy  mercies  in  Jesus  Christ. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Bless  our  civil  rulers  and  magistrates ;  and  dis- 
pose them  to  act  as  thy  ministers  for  the  good  of 
mankind ;  and,  incline  us  to  honor  and  obey  them 
for  thy  sake.  Spread  the  knowledge  of  thy  word, 
and  make  thy  Holy  Church  the  instrument  of 
extending  thy  gospel  throughout  the  world.  Pre- 
serve us,  and  all  thy  people,  in  the  unity  of  the 
faith,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in  righteousness 
of  life;  and,  finally,  bring  us  to  thy  kingdom  in 
heaven,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC.  73 


TUESDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  art  always  more  ready  to  hear  than 
we  to  pray,  and  givest  more  than  either  we  desire 
or  deserve,  we,  thine  unworthy  servants,  again 
draw  nigh  unto  thee,  with  all  humility  and  thank- 
fulness of  heart. 

Lord  Grod  of  our  Salvation,  great  and  precious 
are  thy  mercies  and  blessings.  Thou  loadest  us 
daily  with  thy  benefits;  and,  we  thankfully 
acknowledge  thy  great  goodness,  in  adding  this 
day  to  the  number  of  thy  mercies,  by  preserving 
our  lives,  continuing  our  comforts,  and  giving  us 
further  time  for  repentance.  0  gracious  Lord,  we 
humbly  confess  that  our  hearts  are  still  far  from 
thee ;  that  we  do  not  sufficiently  trust  in  thee,  nor 
apply  ourselves  with  due  diligence  to  thy  service. 
Give  us  a  lively  sense  of  our  unfaithfulness,  and 
renew  a  right  spirit  within  us.  In  thy  abundant 
mercy,  turn  our  hearts  unto  thee,  through  our 
blessed  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

We  confess  that  we  have  this  day  left  undone 
those  things  which  we  ought  to  have  done,  and 
have  done  those  things  which  we  ought  not  to 
have  done,  and  there  is  no  health  in  us.  Give  us 
true  repentance  for  all  our  misdoings,  and  a  lively 
faith  in  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  thy  dear  Son.  Take 
from  us  all  ignorance,  hardness  of  heart,  and  con- 
tempt of  thy  word.     Make  us  a  household  fearing 


.74  SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC. 

thee ;  submitting  ourselves  to  thy  holy  will  and 
pleasure,  putting  our  whole  trust  in  thy  mercy, 
and  studying  to  please  thee  in  holiness  and  right- 
eousness, all  the  days  of  our  life. 

Be  thou  our  protection  this  night,  that  no  evil 
may  befall  us,  nor  any  plague  come  nigh  our 
dwelling.  To  thy  blessing  we  commend  ourselves, 
and  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us,  and  all  for 
whom  we  ought  to  pray.  Keep  us  in  peace  and 
safety ;  grant  that  we  may  go  to  our  rest  in  charity 
with  all  men,  and  come  to  the  beginning  of  another 
day,  with  health  and  ability  to  pursue  our  several 
duties  to  thee  and  to  our  fellow-men. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And,  whenever  thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  end  our 
term  of  days,  and  to  call  us  out  of  this  mortal 
state,  grant  that  our  peace  may  be  made  with  thee, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and,  at  the  last 
day,  raise  us  up  from  the  sleep  of  death  to  the 
resurrection  of  eternal  life,  through  Him  who  died 
and  rose  again  for  us,  the  same  Jesus  Christ  olir 
Lord.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

0  G-od,  thou  art  our  God ;  early  will  we  seek 
thee.     Thou  art  good  and  gracious  to  all  thy 


SEPTUAGESIMA,    ETC.  75 

people;  and  thy  mercy  is  over  all  thy  works. 
Thou  madest  us,  and  not  we  ourselves.  We  are 
thy  people,  and  the  sheep  of  thy  pasture.  We 
therefore  worship  and  fall  down  and  kneel  before 
the  Lord  our  Maker.  Unworthy  as  we  are  to 
offer  thee  any  sacrifice,  thou  hast  appointed  unto 
us  a  Great  High  Priest,  in  whose  name  we  come 
boldly  to  thy  throne,  that  we  may  find  mercy, 
and  grace,  to  help  us  in  time  of  need. 

Grant  that  the  frequency  and  earnestness  of  our 
V  prayers  may  be  proportioned  to  the  greatness  of  our 
wants.  May  we  rejoice  in  every  opportunity  of 
worshiping  thy  Divine  Majesty  ;  and  may  we  be 
preserved  from  the  sin  of  drawing  near  to  thee 
with  our  lips,  while  our  hearts  are  far  from  thee. 

We  humbly  thank  thee,  0  Lord,  that  thou  hast 
preserved  us  during  the  night  past,  and  renewest 
unto  us  thy  goodness  this  morning.  Take  us 
again  under  thy  guidance  and  protection  this  day ; 
and  so  govern  us  by  thy  grace,  that  we  may 
neither  think,  nor  speak,  nor  do  any  thing  which 
may  displease  thee,  or  wound  our  own  souls. 
Assist  us  to  sincerely  and  heartily  dedicate  our- 
selves, our  souls  and  bodies,  to  thy  service.  Pre- 
serve us  from  every  evil  passion ;  from  the  temp- 
tations incident  to  our  respective  callings;  and 
from  the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  and  the  vanities  of  a 
wicked  world. 

Send  thy  good  Spirit  to  direct  and  guide  us  in 
the  ways  and  works  of  godliness.  P  urify  our  affec- 
tions ;  enliven  our  devotion ;  and  teach  us  how  to 


76 

pray,  and  how  to  hear,  and  read,  and  profit 
by  thy  holy  word.  Make  us  Christians,  not  in 
name  only,  but  in  heart  and  in  hope.  Teach  us 
the  value  of  our  souls,  and  of  the  salvation  wrought 
out  for  them  by  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 
May  we  never  be  ashamed  to  confess  him  before 
men ;  but  amidst  all  discouragements  and  difficul- 
ties, give  us  boldness  to  stand  forth  as  his  true 
disciples. 

Let  our  conversation  be  such  as  becometh  his 
gospel ;  and  whatsoever  we  do  in  word  or  in  deed, 
let  us  do  all  in  his  name,  giving  thanks  to  God 
and  the  Father,  through  him.  And  let  the  words 
of  our  mouth  and  the  meditations  of  our  heart, 
be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  0  Lord,  our  strength 
and  our  Eedeemer. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Give  us  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we  may 
be  just  and  honest  in  all  our  dealings ;  kind  and 
charitable  towards  all  men ;  sober,  temperate,  and 
chaste;  and  more  particularly,  careful  of  the 
duties  which  we  owe  to  one  another,  as  members 
of  a  Christian  family ;  that  having,  by  thy  grace, 
been  kept  this  day  without  willful  sin,  we  may,  at 
the  close  of  it,  lie  down  to  rest,  with  the  assurance 
of  a  good  conscience  towards  God,  and  with  a 
sure  trust  in  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC.  77 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 


b 


Our  Father,  &c. 

O  most  holy  and  merciful  God,  the  fountain 
of  all  goodness,  wisdom,  and  strength ;  look  down, 
we  beseech  thee,  from  heaven,  thy  dwelling,  and 
hearken  to  the  prayers  and  praises  of  thy  unwor- 
thy servants. 

"We  confess,  that  notwithstanding  thy  gracious 
dealings  towards  us,  we  have  neither  loved  thee, 
served  thee,  nor  obeyed  thee  as  we  ought  to  have 
done.  We  have  been  too  much  taken  up  with 
the  cares  and  concerns  of  this  life,  and  too  negli- 
gent of  the  great  work  of  our  salvation.  0  gra- 
cious Lord,  have  compassion  on  our  infirmities ; 
and,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake,  turn  from  us  all  those 
evils  that  we  have  most  justly  deserved.  Grant 
that  neither  the  sins  of  this  day,  nor  any  of  the 
transgressions  of  our  past  life,  may  be  remembered 
against  us.  But,  look  upon  us  as  reconciled  unto 
thee  through  the  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord ;  and,  grant  unto  us  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that, 
for  the  time  to  come,  we  may  walk  before  thee  as 
becometh  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord. 

Let  not  sin  reign  in  our  mortal  bodies,  nor  vain 
desires  take  possession  of  our  hearts.  Convince 
\is  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  this  life ; 
that  we  may  be  found  among  those  blessed  servants 
who  wait  for  the  coming  of  their  Lord.  Give  us 
grace  that  we  may  be  more  and  more  sensible  of 
the  vanity  of  all  worldly  objects  of  desire,  and 
7* 


78 

more  intent  upon  laying  up  for  ourselves  treasures 
in  heaven. 

Keceive,  we  beseecli  thee,  our  intercessions  for  , 
all  mankind,  and  especially  for  our  relations, 
friends,  and  neighbors.  Bring  them  all  to  the 
knowledge  of  thy  truth  and  to  the  practice  of  thy 
law.  Grant  unto  them  all  things  needful,  both  for 
their  bodies  and  their  souls. 

Be  gracious,  0  Lord,  to  this  nation ;  root  out 
from  among  us  all  ungodliness  and  indifference  to 
thy  holy  commandments,  that  we  may  be  indeed 
thy  people,  and  thou  mayest  be  our  God.  Bless 
and  protect  thy  servant,  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  and  all  others  in  authority;  and 
give  them  grace  to  rule  in  thy  fear,  and  in  obedi- 
ence to  thy  law. 

Pity  the  afflicted  and  distressed  in  mind,  body, 
and  estate ;  and,  mercifully  relieve  them,  as  may 
be  most  conducive  to  thy  glory,  and  to  their  eter- 
nal good. 

To  these,  our  prayers  and  intercessions,  we  de- 
sire to  add  our  unfeigned  thanks  for  all  the  bene- 
fits which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us ;  for  all  the 
blessings  which  we 'have  enjoyed  from  our  youth 
up  until  now;  particularly  for  the  mercies  and 
comforts  of  the  past  day ; .  but,  above  all,  for  our 
redemption  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Be  pleased  to  continue  thy  protection  to  us 
through  this  night.  Eefresh  our  bodies  with  quiet 
sleep,  and  our  souls  with  the  consolations  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit;  and,  fit  and  prepare  us,  at  last,  for 


79 

our  everlasting  rest  and  peace,   through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 
The  grace,  &c. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  Maker  of  all  things,  Father  of  • 
all  mankind,  receive,  we  beseech  thee,  our  morn- , 
ing  tribute  of  prayer  and  praise.     We  are  thine ; 
and  we  are  bound  to  honor  and  serve  thee,  as  the 
creatures  of  thy  hand,  and  as  the  disciples  of  thy 
blessed  Son. 

We  acknowledge  that,  by  thee  alone,  we  have 
been  preserved  unto  this  day ;  and  that,  through 
thy  mercy  alone,  we  are  permitted  to  come  before 
thee,  to  magnify  and  praise  thy  holy  name. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  returning  light ;  and,  we 
beseech  thee  to  shed  upon  us  abundantly  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  our  hearts  may  be  cleansed  from 
every  defilement,  and  better  prepared  and  disposed 
for  thy  service. 

We  confess  that  we  have  sinned  against  thee, 
and  done  evil  in  thy  sight ;  neither  have  we  obeyed 
thy  law  with  a  perfect  heart.  0  Lord,  who  know- 
est  the  weakness  of  our  nature,  have  compassion 
upon  our  infirmities,  and  forgive  us  all  our  sins, 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

Lift  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us ; 


80 

speak  peace  unto  us  tliy  servants,  that  we  turn  not 
again  unto  folly;  but,  send  us  thy  grace,  to  pre- 
serve us  from  the  power  of  sin. 

Enable  us  this  day  to  fulfill  the  duties  of  our 
respective  callings  with  faithfulness  and  diligence ; 
that,  when  we  again  meet  together  to  worship  thee, 
our  consciences  may  not  reproach  us  with  willful 
disobedience  or  neglect  of  thy  commandments. 

Grant  that  we  may  have  power  to  pursue  with 
fidelity  our  Christian  course;  that  we  may  be 
more  able  to  resist  temptation,  more  mindful  of 
thy  presence,  and  more  desirous  of  thy  grace.  To 
this  end,  open  thou  our  eyes,  that  we  may  see  the 
wondrous  things  of  thy  law ;  give  us  understand- 
ing, that  we  may  know  thy  testimonies ;  and,  write 
the  words  of  thy  gospel  in  our  hearts. 

Bless  all  our  honest  endeavors ;  make  us  content 
with  what  thy  providence  shall  order  for  us ;  and, 
grant  that  no  worldly  business  or  pleasures  may 
divert  us  from  the  thoughts  of  the  life  to  come. 

Make  us  duly  thankful  for  all  thy  mercies,  and 
mindful  of  the  wants  of  others;  tender  hearted 
and  compassionate ;  forgiving  others,  even  as  thou, 
Lord,  for  Christ's  sake,  hast  promised  to  forgive 
us. 

May  it  please  thee  to  forgive  our  enemies,  per-, 
secutors,  and  slanderers,  and  to  turn  their  hearts. 
Be  merciful  to  all  men.  Convert  the  sinful, 
strengthen  the  weak-hearted,  raise  up  those  who 
fall,  and,  finally  beat  down  Satan  under  our  feet. 

[Occasicnaal  Prayers,  &c.] 


ETC.  81 

We  humbly  thank  thee,  0  heavenly  Father,  for 
the  continuance  of  thy  mercies ;  for  all  the  good 
gifts  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us ;  for  our 
life,  our  reason,  our  worldly  substance,  and  our 
means  and  opportunities  of  grace. 

But  above  all,  we  praise  thee  for  the  redemption 
wrought  out  for  us,  through  the  mediation  of  thy 
blessed  Son,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  axt  ex- 
alted far  above  all  blessing  and  praise,  and  yet 
humblest  thyself  to  hear  the  prayer?  of  thine  un- 
worthy servants,  be  present,  we  beseech  thee,  with 
us,  who  are  now  assembled  to^jCther  in  thy  name. 

As  another  day  is  taken  I'rom  the  sum  of  our 
lives,  gives  us  grace  to  remember  that  we  are 
drawing  so  much  nearer  to  the  end ;  and  fill  us 
with  true  repentance  for  all  the  sins  and  infirm- 
ities of  our  past  lives  Grant  that  the  opportuni- 
ties which  may  yet  remain  to  us,  may  be  improved 
to  the  purposes  of  o^^r  Christian  calling ;  and  make 
us,  we  beseech  thee,  day  by  day,  more  serious, 
diligent  and  devout. 

By  all  the  dispensations  of  thy  providence, 
whether  of  good  or  evil,  bring  us  nearer  to  thy- 


82  SEPTUAGESIMA,  ETC. 

self;  and  make  us,  in  lieart  and  affection,  as  we 
are  bj  name  and  profession,  the  servants  and 
followers  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Quicken  us  in  the  pursuit  of  heavenly  things, 
and  make  us  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  every 
appointed  duty;  serving  thee'  with  sincerity  of 
heart,  and.  doing  to  all  men  as  we  would  they 
should  do  unto  us.  Subdue  in  us,  by  the  power 
of  thy  grace,  every  evil  affection ;  and  make  our 
conversation  to  be  such  as  becometh  the  people 
of  God. 

Direct,  sanctify,  and  govern,  both  our  hearts 
and-  our  bodies  in  the  ways  of  thy  laws,  and  in  the 
works  of  thy  commandments.  Let  neither  the 
pleasures  nor  the  cares,  nor  the  fear  or  favor  of 
the  world,  make  us  forgetful  of  the  very  least  of 
thy  ho^  precepts ;  but  increase  in  us,  more  and 
more,  all  tncvChristian  virtues  and  graces. 

Eeceive  our  humble  prayers  for  all  conditions 
of  men.  Grant  that  all  those  who  confess  thy 
holy  name,  may  agree  in  the  truth  of  thy  holy 
word,  and  live  in  uni+y  and  godly  love.  And 
keep,  we  beseech  thee,  thy  Church  and  household 
continually  in  thy  true  religion  ;  that  they  who  do 
lean  only  upon  the  hope  of  thy  heavenly  grace, 
may  evermore  be  defended  by  thy  mighty  power ; 
and  may  the  beams  of  thy  blet^sed  gospel,  be  effec- 
tual in  enlightening  those  who  are  in  darkness, 
and  converting  those  who  are  in  sin.  Endue  all 
orders  and  degrees  of  men,  -^yith  those  virtues, 


SEPTUAGESIMA,    ETC.  83 

which  may  most  conduce  to  thy  honor  and  glorj, 
and  the  good  of  thy  Church  and  people. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

W.e  commend  to  thy  fatherly  goodness  all  our 
relations  and  friends;  beseeching  thee  to  take 
them  and  us  into  thy  holy  keeping  this  night,  and 
to  prepare  us,  both  in  soul  and  body,  to  serve  thee 
faithfully  another  day. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  and  grant  that  we  may  go  to 
rest  this  night,  in  charity  with  all  men,  and  at 
peace  with  thee,  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


FRIDAY   MORNING, 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  who  formed  the  spirit  of  man 
within  him,  and  fittest  him  to  serve  and  worship 
thee ;  we  are  thy  servants  and  children,  the  work 
of  thy  hand.  Our  praise  shall  be  continually  of 
thee,  who  hast  holden  us  up  ever  since  we  were 
born. 

We  acknowledge  that  we  are  not  worthy  to  lift 
up  our  hands  unto  thee.  We  have  sinned  and 
done  amiss.  Our  transgressions  are  more  in 
number  than  the  hairs  of  our  head.  They  are  a 
heavy  burden  upon  our  souls.  We  have  sinned 
against  light  and  knowledge  ;  against  mercies  and 


84  SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC. 

warnings ;  against  providences  and  opportunities 
for  doing  good.  We  desire  not  to  justify  our- 
selves, but  to  confess  before  thee  that  we  are  un- 
clean. 0  Lord,  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy 
servants;  but  spare  thy  people  whom  thou  hast 
redeemed.  For  the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  for 
the  sake  of  thy  blessed  Son,  deliver  us,  and  be 
merciful  unto  us.  Cast  us  not  away  from  thy 
presence ;  and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us. 
But  remember  us,  for  the  merits  of  our  blessed 
Saviour,  with  the  favor  thou  bearest  unto  thy 
people,  and  visit  us  with  thy  salvation. 

0  thou,  without  whose  help  we  can  do  no  good 
thing,  give  us  the  comforts  of  thy  grace ;  and  bear 
us  up  by  the  strength  of  faith,  and  the  power  of 
love  and  hope,  above  all  the  temptations  of  the 
enemy,  and  keep  us  unspotted  from  the  world. 

Let  thy  blessing  rest  upon  us  this  day ;  and 
grant  to  us  severally  such  a  measure  of  thy  grace, 
as  may  fit  us  for  the  duties  of  our  respective  sta- 
tions. Make  us  obedient  to  our  rulers,  friendly 
towards  our  equals,  kind  and  benevolent  to  the 
poor  and  needy,  and  charitable  and  forgiving  to 
those  who  do  us  wrong. 

May  we  take  delight  in  our  private  and  public 
devotions,  and  in  all  the  ordinances  of  our  reli- 
gion; and  may  we  be  prepared,  through  thy 
grace,  for  the  worthy  partaking  of  the  blessed 
sacrament  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  our 
Saviour.     And  grant  that  others  may  be  excited 


SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC.  85 

by  our  "humble  example,  to  glorify  tbee,  our 
heavenly  Father. 

Hearken,  0  Lord,  to  our  intercessions  for  all 
mankind.  Have  mercy  upon  those  whom  ignor- 
ance and  unbelief,  have  drawn  away  from  thy 
testimonies,  and  bring  them  home  to  thy  flock. 
May  sinners  see  the  error  of  their  ways,  and  turn 
unto  thee. 

Preserve  the  Church  in  unity  and  peace ;  in- 
struct the  ministers  and  stewards  of  thy  word  and 
ordinances ;  and  enable  them,  both  by  their 
preaching  and  living,  to  show  forth  the  power  of 
the  Gospel. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

0  Lord,  who  knowest  all  our  necessities  before 
we  ask,  and  our  ignorance  in  asking ;  forgive,  we 
beseech  thee,  the  imperfections  of  these  our  pray- 
ers, and  graciously  accept  them  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

The  grace,  &;c. 


FRIDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

O  Lord,  our  Creator  and  Preserver,  hearken 

unto  the  voice  of  our  calling ;  for  unto  thee  do  we 

offer  our  prayers.     It  is  a  good  thing  to   give 

thanks  unto  thee,  and  to  sing  praises  unto  thy 

name,  0  Most  Highest ;  to  tell  of  thy  loving  kind- 
8 


86  SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC. 

ness  early  in  the  morning,  and  of  thy  truth  in  the 
night  season. 

We  come  before  thee,  heavenly  Father,  with 
all  humility  of  heart,  as  sinful  and  unworthy 
creatures.  We  have  all  sinned,  and  come  short 
of 'thy  glory.  But  thou  art  gracious  and  long- 
suffering,  and  hast  compassion  upon  the  infirmity 
of- thy  servants,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake. 

Be  present  with  us,  we  beseech  thee,  at  this 
time,  by  thy  Holy  Spirit;  and  dispose  us  to  seri- 
ous meditation  and  earnest  prayer.  Make  us 
deeply  sensible  of  our  sins,  and  especially  of  those 
which  we  have  this  day  committed;  and  so 
quicken  our  repentance,  and  strengthen  our  faith 
in  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  that  we  may  be 
cleansed  from  all  sin,- and  be  at  peace  with  thee. 

Awaken  us,  0  Lord,  from  all  spiritual  insensi- 
bility and  indifference,  and  bring  us  to  a  lively 
sense  of  our  lost  condition,  and  of  our  sole  de-, 
pendence  on  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  for  hope  and 
salvation. 

Make  us  always  mindful  of  our  frailty,  of  the 
shortness  and  uncertainty  of  this  life,  of  the  eter- 
nity of  that  which  is  to  come,  of  the  unspeakable 
joys  of  the  blessed,  and  of  the  dreadful  end  of  the 
impenitent;  that  we  may  be  of  the  number  of 
those  who  seek  and  find  the  strait  gate,  that 
leadeth  unto  life. 

We  bless  thy  holy  name  for  all  the  mercies 
hitherto  bestowed  upon  us;  for  our  life,  our 
health,  and  our  reason ;  and  for  all  the  faculties 


I 


SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC.  87 

both  of  our  souls  and  bodies.  Grant  us  grace  to 
use  them,  for  our  benefit  and  thy  glory. 

We  bless  thee  for  thy  patient  forbearance 
towards  us,  notwithstanding  our  sins  and  ingrati- 
tude ;  for  thy  preservation  of  us  from  the  dangers 
and  temptations  which  beset  our  way ;  for  the 
bountiful  goodness  of  thy  providence,  and  for  all 
the  blessings  of  this  life.  But,  above  all,  we  adore 
thy  tender  love  and  compassion  to  us,  and  to  all 
mankind,  in  the  redemption  of  the  world,  by  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  humbled  him- 
self, even  to  the  death  upon  the  cross,  for  us  mis- 
erable sinners,  that  he  might  make  us  thy  chil- 
dren, and  exalt  us  unto  everlasting  life. 

We  also  bless  thee  for  all  the  means  of  grace 
which  thou  hast  given  us  in  thy  word  and  sacra- 
ments, and  in  the  worship  and  ordinances  of  thy 
Church. 

Grant  that  we  may  so  esteem  and  profit  by 
these  and  all  thy  mercies,  that  having  been  faith- 
ful and  diligent  servants  of  our  Lord,  we  may 
finally  receive  that  crown  of  glory  which  thou 
hast  promised  to  those  who  love  thee,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

The  grace,  &c. 


88  SEPTUAGESIMA,  ETC. 

SATURDAY   MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  who,  for 
the  many  sins  which  we  have  committed  against 
thee,  mightest  justly  have  cut  us  off  in  the  midst 
of  our  days,  we  humbly  thank  thee,  that  in  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies,  thou  hast  hitherto  spared 
us. 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  our  unfeigned  sorrow 
for  our  past  transgressions ;  and  grant  that  we 
may  never  so  presume  upon  thy  mercy,  as  to  de- 
spise the  riches  of  thy  goodness.  But  let  a  sense 
of  thy  forbearance  and  long  suffering,  work  in  us 
repentance  and  amendment  of  life,  to  thy  honor 
and  glory,  and  to  our  acceptance  in  the  last  day, 
through  the  merits  of  our.  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Keep  alive  in  us,  0  Lord,  a  true  spirit  of  devo- 
tion ;  and  preserve  us  from  the  great  sin  of  pray- 
ing to  thee  with  our  lips,  while  our  hearts  are  far 
from  thee.  Convince  us  of  our  entire  dependence 
upon  thee ;  quicken  us  in  the  pursuit  of  eternal 
things;  that  we  may  continually  press  forward 
to  obtain  the  prize  of  our  high  calling  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

Thou  Lord,  who  knowest  the  dangers  which 
beset  us  in  this  present  world,  strengthen  us  by 
thy  power  against  the  enemies  of  our  salvation. 
Hold  thou  us  up,  and  we  shall  be  safe. 

Dispose  us,  we  beseech  thee,  rightly  to  dis- 
charge the  duties  of  this  day.     Watch  over  our 


SEPTUAGESIMA,    ETC.  89 

paths ;  compass  us  about  with  thy  favor ;  preserve 
us  in  our  going  out  and  coming  in ;  and  direct  all 
our  steps  in  the  way  of  thy  commandments. 

Make  us  truly  honest  and  upright  in  all  our 
dealings ;  diligent  in  the  works  of  our  calling ; 
blameless  in  our  conversation ;  meek,  charitable, 
and  forgiving  towards  others ;  watchful  over  our- 
selves, and  ever  mindful  of  thy  presence. 

Sanctify  to  us  our  crosses  and  afflictions,  if  in 
thy  holy  providence,  thou  shouldst  see  fit  to 
afflict  us ;  and  give  us  such  a  measure  of  patience 
and  godly  resolution,  that  we  may  be  willing  to 
take  up  our  cross  daily,  and  to  follow  the  Lamb, 
whithersoever  he  goeth. 

0  Lord,  grant  that  this  family  and  household 
may  abound  more  and  more  in  love  to  thee,  and  in 
devotion  to  thy  service ;  that  it  may  be,  amongst 
many  others,  the  humble  means  of  keeping  alive 
a  spirit  of  piety  in  this  nation,  that  thou  may  est 
bless  them,  and  visit  them  with  thy  salvation. 

Have  mercy  upon  thy  holy  Church  in  all  the 
world ;  and  especially  that  portion  of  it,  in  which 
thou  hast  cast  our  lot.  Pour  out  the  graces  of 
thy  Spirit  upon  all  its  members,  that  they  may 
faithfully  keep  its  ordinances,  and  observe  its  pre- 
cepts ;  and  grant  that  it  may  be  finally  presented 
unto  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ,  without  blemish 
and  without  spot. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Pardon,  O  Lord,  our  ignorance  and  infirmity, 
in  whatever  we  have  asked  amiss ;  and  grant  us 
8* 


90  SEPTUAGESIMA,   ETC. 

more  than  we  are  able  to  ask,  for  the  sake  and 
through  the  merits  of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
our  only  mediator  and  advocate.     Amen. 
The  grace,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EYENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  most  gracious  God  and  Father, 
who  art  good  and  ready  to  forgive,  and  plenteous 
in  mercy  to  all  who  call  upon  thee ;  have  respect 
unto  the  prayers  of  thy  servants.  Hear  thou  in 
heaven,  thy  dwelhng  place,  and  when  thou  hearest, 
forgive  us  all  our  sins,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

Help  us  to  approach  thee  at  alJ  times  with 
reverence  and  godly  fear;  and  at  this  time,  re- 
ceive the  prayers  which  we  make  before  thee  in 
the  name  of  thy  blessed  Son.  We  adore  thy 
great  goodness,  in  giving  him  to  be  a  ransom  for 
our  sins ;  to  suffer  death  upon  the  cross,  the  just 
for  the  unjust,  to  bring  us  nearer  unto  thee.  May 
we  be  found  among  the  blessed  number  whom  he 
has  purchased  unto  himself  for  a  peculiar  people 
zealous  of  good  works.  May  we  walk  worthy  of 
our  calling,  and  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our 
Saviour  in  all  things. 

Grant  that  we  may  not  be  insensible  to  the 
blessings  of  the  Christian  covenant,  nor  neglectful 
of  the  instituted  means  of  grace,  nor  blind  to  thy 
daily  mercies.     Teach  us  to  discern  thy  provi- 


i 


91 

dential  hand  in  all  that  befalls  us ;  in  sickness  and 
in  health,  in  riches  and  in  poverty,  in  tribulation 
and  in  joj. 

Make  us  duly  thankful  for  thy  kindness  and 
forbearance  during  the  past  week ;  and  grant  us 
grace  to  devote  the  next  faithfully  to  thy  service, 
and  to  all  the  duties  of  our  calling.  More  especi- 
ally prepare  us  for  the  services  of  the  Lord's  day ; 
that  we  may  sanctify  it  by  a  holy  rest,  ceasing  from 
worldly  cares  and  pleasures,  and  giving  up  our- 
selves to  thy  service,  and  to  our  own  spiritual 
improvement. 

Make  us  sensible  of  our  uncertain  condition  in 
this  life ;  and  teach  us  to  number  our  days  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Let  each 
night  remind  us  of  the  sleep  of  death  ;  that  we 
may  live  in  continual  preparation  for  our  change, 
and  be  ready  to  lay  aside  the  burthen  of  the  past, 
when  the  appointed  time  of  our  departure  shall 
come. 

0  Lord,  be  graciously  pleased  to  extend  thy 
blessing  to  all  mankind.  Establish  thy  kingdom 
throughout  the  earth ;  and  grant  that  thy  holy 
Church,  may  be  enlarged  and  strengthened  in  this 
nation,  and  that  thy  blessing  and  favor  may  ever 
rest  upon  it. 

We  beseech  thee  to  protect  and  preserve  the 
constituted  authorities  of  our  country  ;  and  grant 
that  they  may  remember  whose  ministers  they  are, 
and  may  in  all  things  seek  thy  honor  and  glory. 
And  may  we,  as  a  people,  honor  thee,  by  obedi- 


92 

ence  and  and  fidelity  to  those  wliom  thou  hast 
given  to  rule  over  ns. 

Give  grace  to  the  ministers  and  stewards  of  thy 
mysteries,  that  they  may  set  forth  thy  gospel,  not 
only  with  their  lips,  but  in  their  lives,  and  thus 
prove  a  wholesome  example  to  their  flocks. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  Father  of  mercies,  make  thy  compassions 
known  to  all  men,  and  especially  to  the  sick,  the 
needy,  and  the  afflicted,  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear 
Son,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 

The  grace,  &c. 


^Itt. 


ASH-WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  most  mighty  Grod  and  merciful  Father,  who 
hast  compassion  upon  all  men,  and  hatest  nothing 
that  thou  hast  made ;  we  humble  ourselves  before 
thee,  acknowledging  our  sinfulness,  and  seeking 
mercy  and  forgiveness  at  thy  hands.  Thou  hast 
no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth ;  and 
hast  graciously  invited  us,  in  thy  holy  word,  to 
turn  unto  thee  and  live.  The  sacrifices  of  a 
broken  and  contrite  spirit,  thou  wilt  not  despise. 
Give  us  grace,  heavenly  Father,  that  we  may  come 
•unto  thee,  weary  and  heavy-laden  with  the  bur- 
den of  our  sins,  and  thus  find  rest  to  our  souls. 
Enter  not  into  judgment  with  us,  thy  unworthy 
servants.  Mercifully  forgive  "us  our  trespasses. 
In  thy  tender  compassion  receive  and  comfort  us ; 
and  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy 
blessed  Son,  absolve  us  from  all  our  offences.  O 
Lord,  show  thy  mercy  upon  us,  and  grant  us  thy 
salvation.  Turn  thy  face  from  our  sins,  and  blot 
out  all  our  iniquities.  Send  help  from  thy  holy 
place,  and  let  our  sighing  come  before  thee. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  this  day  may  be  unto  us, 
such  a  fast  as  thou  hast  chosen.  May  the  ministers 


94  LENT. 

of  thy  word  blow  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  and  sound 
an  alarm  in  thy  holy  mountain,  and  call  a  solemn 
assembly  and  gather  the  people.  And  we  be- 
seech thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  look  down  with 
pity  and  compassion  upon  all  those  who  present 
themselves  before  thee  this  day,  in  true  penitence 
and  contrition  of  heart.  Thou  knowest  all  their 
infirmities,  and  all  their  wants.  Be  thou  a  present 
God,  to  help  them  in  their  weakness,  and  to  sup- 
ply their  necessities.  Thou  art  a  merciful  Grod, 
full  of  compassion,  long-suffering,  and  of  great 
kindness.  Thou  sparest,  when  we  deserve  pun- 
ishment, and  in  the  midst  of  thy  judgments  thou 
rememberest  mercy.  Spare  thy  people,  who  turn 
to  thee  in  fasting,  and  weeping,  and  mourning. 
Eeceive  with  favor,  the  prayers  and  supplications 
of  thy  servants,  who  shall  this  day  intercede  for 
perishing  sinners.  And  what  prayer  and  suppli- 
cation soever  be  made  by  any  man,  or  by  all  thy 
people,  who  shall  know  every  man  the  plague  of 
his  own  heart,  and  spread  forth  his  hands  in  thy 
house,  then  hear  thou  in  heaven -thy  dwelling- 
place,  and  forgive,  and  do,  and  give  to  every  man 
according  to  his  ways,  whose  heart  thou  knowest. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  for  our  sake  didst 
fast  forty  days  and  forty  nights ;  give  us  grace  to 
use  such  abstinence,  that  our  flesh,  being  subdued 
by  the  Spirit,  we  may  ever  obey  thy  godly  mo- 
tions in  righteousness  and  true  holiness,  to  thy 
honor  and  glory,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the 


LENT.  95 

Fatlier  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     ATYien, 


ASn-WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 

0  most  merciful  God,  who  according  to  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies,  dost  so  put  away  the " 
sins  of  those  who  truly  repent,  that  thou  re- 
memberest  them  no  more;  open  thine  eye  of 
mercy  upon  us  thy  servants.  We  most  earnestly 
desire  pardon  and  forgiveness,  for  all  that  thou 
hast  seen  amiss  in  us  this  day.  Eenew  in  us, 
heavenly  Father,  whatsoever  hath  been  impaired 
by  the  fraud  and  malice  of  the  devil,  or  by  our 
own  carnal  will  and  frailty.  Keep  us  in  the  faith, 
and  in  the  unity  of  thy  holy  Church.  Impute  not 
unto  us  our  former  sins;  but  strengthen  us  by 
thy  holy  Spirit ;  and  fit  and  prepare  us  to  dwell 
with  thee  forever. 

0  God,  wha  sparest  when  we  deserve  punish- 
ment, and  in  thy  wrath  rememberest  mercy ;  we 
humbly  beseech  thee,  of  thy  great  goodness,  to 
comfort  and  succor  us,  in  all  our  troubles  and  ad- 
versities, whensoever  they  oppress  us.  Correct 
us  not  in  thine  anger,  neither  chasten  us  in  thy 
heavy  displeasure.  Give  us  a  right  understand- 
ing of  thy  threats  and  promises ;  that  we  may 
neither  cast  away  our  confidence  in  thee,  nor 
place  it  any  where  but  in  thee.     Eelieve  the  dis- 


96  LENT. 

tressed ;  protect  the  innocent ;  and  awaken  the 
careless  and  negligent.  And  forasmuch  as  thou 
alone  canst  bring  light  out  of  darkness,  and  good 
out  of  evil,  grant  that  the  trials  and  troubles 
which  we  may  endure,  may  tend  to  purify  our 
hearts,  and  set  us  free  from  the  bondage  of  sin, 
and  the  wiles  of  the  adversary.  Show  thy  ser- 
vants the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and  save  us 
for  thy  mercies'  sake. 
[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  the  solemn  season  on  which 
we  have  now  entered,  may  prove  a  time  of  re- 
freshing to  our  souls.  Give  unto  us  a  spirit  of 
prayer  and  supplicatiQn ;  that  we  may  approach 
thy  throne  with  humble  reverence  and  godly  fear ; 
and  hearken  unto  our  voice,  0  Lord,  when  we 
cry  unto  thee.  Make  us  a  clean  heart,  O  God, 
and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  us.  Help  us  to 
call  our  past  ways  to  remembrance,  that  we  may 
chasten  our  souls,  under  a  sense  of  our  manifold 
transgressions.  Help  us  to  meditate  on  all  thy 
goodness  and  forbearance,  while  we  have  rebelled 
against  thee,  and  provoked  thee  to  anger.  Help 
us  to  confess  and  forsake  our  sins,  that  thou 
mayest  have  mercy  upon  us.  Be  not  displeased 
with  us  forever.  Turn  our  hearts  unto  thee,  and 
let  thine  anger  cease  from  us.  Help  us  to  keep  a 
watch  over  our  hearts,  and  over  all  our  future 
ways ;  that  so  we  may  serve  thee  in  righteousness 
and  holiness  all  the  days  of  our  life. 
'  O  Almighty  God,  who  art  a  most  strong  tower 


LENT.  97 

to  all  who  put  their  trust  in  thee ;  to  whom  all 
things  in  heaven,  in  earth,  and  under  the  earth, 
do  bow  and  obey ;  we  commend  to  thy  gracious 
care  and  protection,  all  £>ur  dear  relatives  and 
friends,  both  present  and  absent.  Be  now  and 
evermore  our  defence  ;  and  make  us  to  know  and 
to  feel  that  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
given  to  man,  in  whom  and  through  whom  we 
may  receive  salvation,  but  only  the  name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

And  in  this  all-prevailing  name,  we  conclude 
our  petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
Maker  of  all  things,  Judge  of  all  men;  we  ac- 
knowledge our  manifold  sins  and  bewail  onr 
wickedness.  We  humble  ourselves  before  thee, 
as  unworthy  transgressors,  who  have  grievously 
rebelled  against  thee.  By  unholy  thoughts,  by 
evil  words,  by  unrighteous  deeds,  we  have  offend- 
ed thy  divine  majesty,  and  provoked  thy  wrath 
and  indignation  against  us.  But,  O  Lord,  we  be- 
seech thee,  to  bow  down  thine  ear  and  hear  ns. 
Comfort  the  souls  of  thy  servants ;  for  we  lift  up 
our  hearts  unto  thee.     We  do  earnestly  repent. 


98  LENT. 

and  are  heartily  sorry  for  all  our  misdoings :  The 
remembrance  of  them  is  grievous  unto  us :  The 
burden  of  them  is  intolerable.  0  Lord,  enter  not 
into  judgment  with  u§ ;  but  deliver  us,  and  be 
merciful  unto  us,  for  thy  name's  sake.  Thy  pro- 
perty is  always  to  have  mercy.  Spare  us,  there- 
fore, good  Lord ;  spare  thy  people,  whonx  thou 
hast  redeemed  with  thy  most  precious  blood,  and 
be  not  angry  with  us  forever.  Create  and  make 
in  .us  new  and  contrite  hearts,  that  we,  worthily 
lamenting  our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our 
wretchedness,  may  obtain  of  thee,  the  God  of  all 
mercy,  perfect  remission  and  forgiveness,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

0  God,  we  bless  thee  for  thy  great  mercy,  in 
bringing  us  to  the  beginning  of  this  holy  day. 
We  adore  thee  for  thy  patience  and  forbearance, 
in  all  thy  dealings  with  us,  thy  unworthy  servants. 
And  we  beseech  thee  to  pour  out  upon  us  the 
abundance  of  thy  grace,  that  we  may  faithfully 
devote  this  day  to  the  sacred  purposes  for  which 
thou  hast  appointed  it.  Permit  us  to  assemble 
together  in  thy  house  of  prayer.  There  may  we 
draw  near  to  thee,  and  worship  and  fall  down  be- 
fore thee,  the  Lord  our  Maker.  There  may  we 
offer  the  sacrifice  of  a  broken  spirit.  There  may 
we  confess  our  sins.  There  may  we  hear  the 
comfortable  tidings  of  thy  gospel.  There  may 
we  partake  of  all  thy  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
wash  in  the  fountain  of  that  blood  which  cleans- 
eth  from  all  sin. 


LENT.  99 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

0  God,  make  this  a  day  of  rest  and  spiritual 
refreshment,  to  those  whose  souls  have  a  desire 
and  longing  to  enter  into  thy  courts.  Eemember 
them  in'  mercy ;  and  guide  and  direct  them,  by 
thy  heavenly  grace,  in  their  private  meditations ; 
and  let  their  prayers  come  up  before  thee  as  in 
cense,  and  the  lifting  up  of  their  hands  as  an  ac- 
ceptable sacrifice. 

Look  with  pity  and  compassion,  0  Lord,  upon 
those  who  disregard  and  profane  this  sacred  day. 
Awaken  them  to  a  sense  of  their  guilt  and  their 
danger.  Give  them  true  repentance ;  that  they 
may  turn  away  from  all  their  wickedness,  and 
henceforth  walk  in  the  way  of  thy  command- 
ments. 

To  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us,  heavenly 
Father,  extend  thy  mercies.  Govern  and  support 
them  in  prosperity  and  in  tribulation ;  in  health 
and  in  sickness ;  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the 
day  of  judgment. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen, 


100  LENT. 

SUNDAY  EVENING. 

0  Lord,  God  of  our  salvation,  we  present  our 

supplications  before  thee  ;  knowing  that  thy  arm 
is  not  shortened,  that  it  can  not  save,  nor  thy  ear 
heavy,  that  it  can  not  hear.  Let  our  prayer  enter 
into  thy  presence,  and  incline  thine  ear  unto  our 
calling.  Let  not  our  iniquities  separate  between 
us  and  thee  our  God,  nor  our  sins  cause  thee  to 
hide  thy  face  from  us.  Cast  us  not. away  from 
thy  presence,  and  take  not  thy  holy  Spirit  from 
us. 

We  acknowledge,  merciful  Father,  the  imper- 
fection of  our  best  services,  during  the  day  which 
is  now  closing.  The  wanderings  of  our  thoughts, 
the  coldness  of  our  devotions,  our  carelessness, 
and  negligence,  and  hardness,  are  all  known  to 
thee.  Pardon,  0  Lord,  all  our  weaknesses  and 
infirmities,  and  quicken  us  to  greater  diligence 
and  fidelity  in  the  performance  of  our  duty  to 
thee,  to  our  neighbor,  and  to  ourselves.  Enable 
us  to  devote  ourselves,  with  all  our  powers  and 
faculties,  to  thee  and  thy  service.  May  we  keep 
in  lively  remembrance  the  truths  which  have  been 
delivered  to  us  this  day ;  that  the  words  which  we 
have  heard  with  our  outward  ears,  may  be  en- 
grafted inwardly  in  our  hearts,  and  bring  forth  in 
us  the  fruit  of  good  living.  Give  us  thy  holy 
Spirit,  to  enlighten  our  understanding,  and  purify 
our  hearts ;  that  all  our  wishes  and  desires  may 
centre  in  what  thou  hast  commanded.    Make  us 


LENT.  101 

instrumental,  according  to  our  ability  and  op- 
portunity, in  promoting  the  salvation  of  all  men, 
and  especially  those  who  are  the  most  closely 
united  to  us  in  the  bonds  of  friendship  and  society. 
Be  thou  ever  with  us  in  the  performance  of  our 
several  duties ;  in  prayer,  to  quicken  our  devo- 
tions ;  in  praises,  to  heighten  our  love  and  grati- 
tude ;  and  in  all  our  works,  to  set  a  bright  ex- 
ample to  those  around  us. 

We  intercede  with  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for 
thy  Church  militant  here  on  earth  ;  for  her  minis- 
ters and  people ;  and  for  all  who  profess  and  call 
themselves*  Christians.  Guard  thy  flock,  0  thou 
gracious  Bishop  and  Shepherd  of  our  souls,  from 
all  false  doctrine,  heresy,  and  schism  ;  from  hard- 
ness of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  word  and  com- 
mandment. And  illuminate,  we  beseech  thee, 
all  Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons,  with  true  know- 
ledge and  understanding  of  thy  word;  that 
through  their  faithful  preaching  and  good  ex- 
ample, all  thy  people  may  increase  in  grace,  and 
meekly  hear  thy  word,  and  receive  it  with  pure 
affection,  and  bring  forth  abundantly  the  fruits 
of  the  Spirit. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Almighty  God,  we  commit  ourselves  to  thy* 
care  and  keeping  this  night.  We  are  weak  and 
defenceless,  exposed  to  dangers  on  every  side,  and 
unable  to  help  ourselves.  Keep  us  outwardly  in 
our  bodies,  during  the  unguarded  hours  of  re- 
pose ;  that  no  evil  may  befall  us,  nor  any  alarni 


102  LENT. 

or  terror  disturb  us.  Keep  us  also  inwardly  in 
our  souls  ;  that  no  wicked  or  hurtful  thoughts,  no 
corrupt  imaginations,  no  wiles  of  the  adversary, 
may  assail  us.  Defend  us  from  all  adversities ; 
and  bring  us  in  peace  and  safety  to  the  beginning 
of  another  day;  that  being  refreshed  in  body, 
and  strengthened  by  thy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man, 
we  may  enter  upon  our  respective  duties  with  in- 
creasing trust  and  confidence  in  thy  mercy,  and 
with  renewed  purposes  of  serving  thee  faithfully 
and  truly  to  the  end  of  our  days.  We  ask  these 
blessings  for  ourselves,  and  for  all  our  friends,  re- 
latives, and  brethren,  for  the  sake  of  Jfesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  in  whose  name  and  words  we  conclude 
our  petitions : — 
Our  Father,  &c. 


MONDAY  MOENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  heavenly  Father,  who  makest  the  out- 
goings of  the  morning  and  evening  to  praise  thee, 
accept  our  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  mercies,  and 
Especially  for  the  rest  and  refreshment  of  the  past 
night.  With  this  renewed  token  of  thy  goodness, 
give  us  newness  of  heart  to  serve  thee.  Look 
with  favor  upon  our  earnest  desires,  and  stretch 
forth  the  right  hand  of  thy  majesty,  to  be  our  un- 
failing defence  and  protection.     Help  us  to  amend 


LENT.  103 

our  ways  and  our  doings ;  that  we  may  obey  thy 
voice,  and  walk  in  the  way  that  thou  hast  com- 
manded us ;  that  thou  mayest  be  our  God,  and  we 
may  be  thy  people.  Turn  us  from  all  our  sins,  that 
we  may  keep  thy  statutes,  and  do  that  which  is 
lawful  and  right,  and  save  our  souls  alive. 

O  blessed  Jesus,  grant  us  grace,  so  to  confess 
thee  before-  men,  that  thou  mayest  confess  us  be- 
fore thy  Father  in  heaven.  Make  us  watchful 
and  circumspect,  that  we  fall  not  again  into  our 
former  transgressions.  Endue  us  with  strength 
and  fortitude,  to  take  up  our  cross  daily  and  fol- 
low thee,  whithersoever-  thy  voice  shall  call  us. 
May  we  be  strong,  0  Lord,  in  the  power  of  thy 
might.  May  we  put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God, 
and  fight  manfully  against  our  spiritual  enemies. 
With  the  girdle  of  truth;  the  brea&t-plate  of 
righteousness ;  the  shield  of  faith ;  the  helmet 
of  salvation ;  and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit ;  may 
we  be  able  to  stand  against  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
wicked,  and  all  the  wiles  of  the  adversary. 

0  holy,  blessed,  and  Eternal  Spirit ;  vouchsafe, 
we  beseech  thee,  to  direct,  sanctify,  and  govern, 
both  our  hearts  and  bodies,  in  all  the  pursuits  of 
this  day.  Quicken  us  to  renewed  diligence  in  oui 
several  duties ;  and  make  us  just  and  upright  in 
all  our  dealings ;  and  charitable,  kind,  and  com- 
passionate in  all  the  relations  of  life. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

0  God,  whose  days  are  without  end,  and  whose 
mercies  can  not  be  numbered ;  make  us,  at  all 


104  LENT. 

times,  and  under  all  circumstances,  duly  sensible 
of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  human  life, 
and  of  the  transitory  nature  of  all  earthly  things. 
Thou  hast  made  our  days  as  it  were  a  span  long ; 
and  our  age  is  even  nothing  in  respect  of  thee ; 
and  verily  every  man  living,  is  altogether  vanity. 
So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  ap- 
ply our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Guide  and  direct 
us  by  thy  powerful  hand,  as  we  pass  through  this 
vale  of  misery;  that  so  we  may  serve  thee  in 
holiness  and  righteousness  all  the  days  of  our 
life ;  that  when  our  probation  shall  be  brought  to 
a  close,  we  may  be  gathered  in  peace  to  our 
fathers,  having  the  testimony  of  a  good  con- 
science ;  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  that  we  are  the 
children  of  God ;  in  the  communion  of  the  saints ; 
in  the  confidence  of  a  living  faith  ;  in  the  comfort 
of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and  holy  hope  ;  in  favor 
with  thee,  our  God,  and  in  perfect  charity  with  the 
world. 

All  which  we  ask  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  O  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen, 


MONDAY  EVENING. 


Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  by  whose  mer- 
ciful providence  we  are  preserved  from  day  to 


LENT.  105 

day,  enable  us  to  draw  near  to  thee  with  rever- 
ence and  godly  fear.  Thou  knowest,  0  Lord,  the 
secrets  of  every  heart.  Turn  thee  unto  us,  in 
loving  kindness,  and  hearken  unto  our  prayer. 
Pardon,  we  beseech  thee,  all  the  sins  of  th^s  day. 
Thou  art  full  of  compassion  and  mercy,  long 
suffering,  and  of  great  goodness.  Thou  hast  not 
dealt  with  us  according  to  our  sins,  nor  rewarded 
us  according  to  our  iniquities.  Be  gracious  unto 
us,  and  look  with  pity  on  all  our  weaknesses  and 
infirmities.  Hide  not  thy  face  from  us  when  we 
cry  unto  thee;  but  refresh  us  with  thy  Spirit, 
and  show  us  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  By 
thy  help  alone,  we  are  enabled  to  will  and  to  do 
those  things  which  are  good  and  acceptable  unto 
thee.  Grant  us  thy  continual  mercy  and  grace. 
Let  thy  fatherly  hand  be  ever  over  us,  to  sustain 
and  support  us.  Let  thy  holy  Spirit  be  ever  with 
us,  to  guide,  and  direct,  and  lead  us  in  the  know- 
ledge and  obedience  of  thy  word ;  that  so  in  the 
end,  we  may  obtain  everlasting  life. 

To  thy  gracious  care  and  protection,  heavenly 
Father,  we  commit  ourselves  and  all  our  friends 
and  relatives,  this  night.  Guard  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  from  every  danger :  and  bring  us  in  peace 
and  safety  to  the  beginning  of  another  day.  And 
enable  us,  by  thy  grace,  to  walk  worthy  of  the 
vocation  wherewith  we  are  called;  with  lowliness 
and  meekness;  with  long  suffering,  forbearing 
one  another  in  love;  endeavoring  to  keep  the 
unity  of  the  Spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace ;  till  we 


106  LENT. 

all  come,  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of  the 
knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect 
man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  full- 
ness of  Christ. 

Give  us  grace  to  put  off  the  old  man,  which  is 
corrupt  according  to  the  deceitful  lusts ;  that  we 
may  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  our  mind,  and 
may  put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God,  is 
created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

Grant  us,  0  God,  according  to  the  riches  of  thy 
grace, .  to ,  be  strengthened  with  might  by  thy 
Spirit  in  the  inner  man ;  that  Christ  may  dwell 
in  our  hearts  by  faith  ;  that  we,  being  rooted  and 
grounded  in  love,  may  be  able  to  comprehend 
with  all  saints,  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length, 
and  depth,  and  height ;  and  to  know  the  love  of 
Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge,  that  we  may  be 
filled  with  all  the  fullness  of  thee  our  God. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  ac- 
cording to  the  power  that  worketh  in  us,  unto 
him  be  glory  in  the  Church  by  Christ  Jesus, 
throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &;c. 


LENT.  107 

TUESDAY  MORNING. 

0  Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  we  humble 
ourselves  before  thee  as  unworthy  sinners.  In 
thy  great  goodness,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and 
hearken  unto  our  prayer.  We  approach  thy 
throne,  in  weakness,  and  infirmity,  and  in  fear 
and  trembling.  We  ask  nothing  for  our  own 
merits  or  righteousness :  For  we  are  a  sinful 
people,  laden'  with  iniquity.  But  for  thy  dear 
Son's  sake,  hide  not  thy  face  from  us  ;  but  incline 
thine  ear  when  we  call  upon  thee  in  his  all  pre- 
vailing name.  For  his  sake,  help  and  deliver  us. 
For  his  sake,  have  mercy  upon  us ;  0  God,  have 
mercy  upon  us. 

0  God,  look  down  in  kindness  and  compassion 
upon  this  nation.  Bestow  thy  heavenly  grace  on 
our  civil  rulers  and  magistrates ;  that  they  may 
rule  in  thy  fear,  and  in  humble  reliance  on  thy 
guidance  and  protection ;  that  so,  thy  people,  be- 
ing secure  through  the  protection  of  equal  laws, 
and  the  administration  of  impartial  justice,  may 
joyfully  serve  thee  in  all  godly  quietness ;  and 
live  in  love  and  •  unity  with  each  other,  and  in 
peace  and  friendship  with  all  mankind.  Save  us, 
0  God,  from  sin,  and  all  its  evil  consequences. 
Send  us  help  from  thy  holy  place,  and  evermore 
mightily  defend  us.  Let  the  enemy  have  no  ad- 
vantage of  us ;  nor  the  wicked  come  near  to  hurt 
us.     Be  unto  us,  0  Lord,  a  strong  tower;  that 


108  LENT. 

thy  people  may  rejoice  in  thee,  and  in  the  multi- 
tude of  thy  mercies  find  plenteous  redemption. 

Merciful  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  cast  the 
bright  beams  of  light  upon  thy  holy  Church. 
Give  to  her  Bishops  and  other  Ministers,  know- 
ledge of  thy  will ;  and  endue  them  with  grace  to 
preach  thy  word  with  faithfulness  and  zeal,  and 
to  set  a  bright  example  of  blameless  living  be- 
fore the  flocks  committed  to  their  trust.  And 
grant  that  thy  people,  being  rightly  instructed  in 
the  doctrines  of  thy  word,  may  so  walk  in  the 
light  of  thy  truth,  that  they  may  at  length  attain 
to  everlasting  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

0  God,  enable  us  to  walk  with  watchfulness 
and  circumspection  this  day ;  to  guard  against  the 
sins  which  most  easily  beset  us ;  to  restrain  every 
unholy  passion  ;  to  subdue  the  desires  and  appe- 
tites which  war  against  the  soul ;  to  cultivate  the 
virtues  and  graces  of  our  Christian  calling;  and 
to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all 
things.  May  we  never  be  ashamed  to  confess  the 
faith  of  Christ  crucified ;  and  we  beseech  thee, 
gracious  God,  to  give  us  strength  to  fight  manfully 
under  his  banner,  against  sin,  the  world,  and  the 
devil,  and  to  continue  Christ's  faithful  soldiers 
and  servants  unto  our  life's  end. 

We  commend  to  thy  mercy  and  grace,  heavenly 
Father,  all  our  relatives,  friends  and  brethren, 
whether  present  or  absent.  May  their  repentance 
bp^  perfect,  and  their  faith  strong,  and  their  love 


I 


LENT.  109 

fervent,  and  their  hope  steadfast;  that  so,  they 
may  live  to  thy  glory,  and  at  last  be  gathered 
with  all  the  faithful  to  the  mansions  of  everlasting 
bliss. 

We  present  these  our  humble  and  imperfect 
petitions,  in  the  name  and  through  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


TUESDAY  EVENING. 


0  Lord,  God  Almighty,  gracious  and  merciful, 
who  art  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness,  let 
our  prayer  enter  into  thy  presence,  and  incline 
thine  ear  unto  our  calling.  Thou  desirest  no 
sacrifice,  else  would  we  give  it  thee.  The  sacrifice 
of  God  is  a  troubled  spirit :  A  broken  and  a  con- 
trite heart,  0  God,  thou  wilt  not  despise.  We 
acknowledge  our  faults,  and  our  sin  is  ever  before 
us.  But,  we  beseech  thee,  rebuke  us  not  in  thine 
anger.  Chasten  us  not  in  thy  heavy  displeasure : 
Have  compassion  upon  us,  and  wash  us  thoroughly 
from  our  wickedness,  and  cleanse  us  from  our 
sins.  Teach  us  thy  ways,  and  lead  us  in  the  paths 
of  righteousness.  Guide  us  by  thy  counsel,  and 
govern  us  by  thy  good  Spirit.  Enable  us  to  draw 
near  to  thee  at  this  time,  with  reverence  and  godly 
fear    that  we  may  look  for  an  answer  of  peace, 


110  LENT. 

through  the  merits  and  intercession  of  thj  blessed 
Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

We  thank  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  the  daily 
blessings  and  bounties  of  thy  good  providence. 
Our  days  are  passing  away  like  a  shadow,  and  all 
flesh  is  withering  like  grass.  We  are  admonished 
by  every  instance  of  mortality,  of  the  shortness 
and  uncertainty  of  human  life,  and  of  the  transi- 
tory nature  of  all  earthly  things.  But  of  thy 
great  goodness,  0  Lord,  our  days  are  still  pro- 
longed. Thou  art  graciously  pleased  to  give  us 
farther  space  for  repentance,  and  new  opportuni- 
ties for  making  our  peace  with  thee.  Grant  ns 
grace,  we  beseech  thee,  so  to  improve  the  time  that 
remains,  that  when  our  years  shall  come  to  an  end, 
we  may  be  well  fitted  and  prepared  for  thy 
heavenly  kingdom. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  Lord  God,  who  has  taught  us  to  make  prayers 
and  suppHcations  for  others  as  well  as  for  our- 
selves, be  graciously  pleased  to  hear  our  interces- 
sions for  all  men.  Be  merciful  to  our  friends, 
relatives,  and  brethren.  Keep  them  in  safety 
during  the  perils  of  this  night,  and  bring  them  in 
health  and  peace  to  the  beginning  of  another  day. 
Above  all,  guard  them  from  the  enticements  of 
sin,  and  from  the  wiles  of  the  adversary,  that  they 
may  serve  thee,  the  living  God,  in  righteousness 
and  holiness,  all  the  days  of  their  life. 

Show  the  light  of  thy  countenance  to  those  who 
fear  thee,  and  hope  in  thy  mercy.     And  to  those 


LENT.  Ill 

who  are  in  heaviness  through  manifold  tempta- 
tions, extend  thy  compassion  and  loving  kindness. 
In  the  midst  of  the  sorrows  which  they  have  in 
their  hearts,  let  thy  comforts  refresh  their  souls. 
And  may  it  please  thee,  0  Lord,  who  hast  thyself 
suffered,  being  tempted,  to  succor  them  also  that 
are  tempted. 

Have  pity,  heavenly  Father,  upon  those  who 
have  hitherto  trodden  under  foot  thy  beloved  Son, 
and  have  counted  the  blood  of  the  everlasting 
covenant  an  unholy  thing,  and  are  doing  despite 
to  the  spirit  of  grace.  ^  Awaken  them  to  true  re- 
pentance and  contrition  of  heart,  that  they  may 
hereafter  walk  in  newness  of  life,  and  serve  thee 
acceptably  all  their  days.  And,  0  God,  we  be- 
seech thee,  have  compassion  on  those  who  have 
departed  from  the  truth,  and  fallen  away  from  the 
faith,  and  are  sinning  wilfully  after  having  re- 
ceived the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  Eenew  them 
again  to  repentance  ;  and  grant  that  they  may  no 
more  crucify  thy  dear  Son,  and  put  him  to  open 
shame;  but  may  from  henceforth  glorify  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


112  LENT. 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

0  gracious  and  merciful  God,  who  hast  com- 
passion upon  all  men,  and  hatest  nothing  that  thou 
hast  made  ;  we  humble  ourselves  before  thee,  ac- 
knowledging our  sinfulness,  and  seeking  mercy 
and  forgiveness  at  thy  hand.  Thou  hast  no  pleas- 
ure in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth ;  and  hast 
graciously  invited  us,  in  thy  holy  word,  to  turn 
unto  thee  and  live.  The  sacrifices  of  a  broken 
and  contrite  spirit,  thou  wilt  not  despise.  Give 
us  grace,  heavenly  Father,  that  we  may  come 
unto  thee,  weary  and  heavy-laden  with  the  burden 
of  our  sins,  and  thus  find  rest  to  our  souls.  Enter 
not  into  judgment  with  us,  thy  unworthy  ser- 
vants. Mercifully  forgive  us  our  trespasses.  In 
thy  tender  compassion,  receive  and  comfort  us ; 
and  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy 
blessed  Son,  absolve  us  from  all  our  offences.  0 
Lord,  show  thy  mercy  upon  us,  and  grant  us  thy 
salvation.  Turn  thy  face  from  our  sins,  and  blot 
out  all  our  iniquities.  Send  help  from  thy  holy 
place,  and  let  our  supplications  come  accepta 
bly  before  thee. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  this  solemn  season  may  be 
made  profitable  to  the  souls  of  thy  people.  Give 
power  and  grace  to  the  ministers  of  thy  word, 
that  they  may  lift  up  the  voice  of  warning,  and 
admonish  the  impenitent  and  careless  of  their 
danger ;  and  awaken  the  negligent  and  lukewarm 
to  renewed  diligence  and  fidelity  in  the  duties  of 


LENT.  113 

their  calling.  And  we  beseech  thee,  heavenly 
Father,  to  look  down  with  pity  and  compassion 
upon  all  those  who  present  themselves  before  thee 
in  true  penitence  and  contrition  of  heart.  Thou 
knowest  all  their  infirmities,  and  all  their  wants. 
Be  thou  a  present  God,  to  help  them  in  their 
weakness,  and  to  supply  their  necessities.  Thou 
art  a  merciful  God,  full  of  compassion,  long- 
suffering,  and  of  great  kindness.  Thou  sparest, 
when  we  deserve  punishment,  and  in  the  midst  of 
thy  judgments,  thou  rememberest  mercy.  Spare 
thy  people,  who  turn  to  thee  in  a  broken  spirit. 
And,  0  God,  receive  with  favor  the  prayers  and 
supplications*  of  thy  servants,  who  shall  intercede 
for  perishing  sinners.  And  what  prayer  and  sup- 
plication soever  be  made  by  any  man,  or  by  all 
thy  people,  who  shall  know  every  man  the  plague 
of  his  own  heart,  and  spread  forth  his  hands  be- 
fore thee ;  then  hear  thou  in  heaven,  thy  dwell- 
ing-place, and  forgive,  and  do,  and  give  to  every 
man  according  to  his  ways,  whose  heart  thou 
knowest. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  for  our  sake  didst  fast 

forty  days  and  forty  nights ;  give  us  grace  to  use 

such  abstinence,  that  our  flesh,  being  subdued  by 

the  Spirit,  we  may  ever  obey  thy  godly  motions 

in  righteousness  and  true  holiness,  to  thy  honor 

and  glory,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father 

and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 

Amen.     Our  Father,  &c.     The  grace,  &c. 
10* 


114  LENT. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 

O  most  merciful  God,  who,  according  to  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies,  dost  so  put  away  the 
sins  of  those  who  truly  repent,  that  thou  remem- 
berest  them  no  more,  open  thine  eye  of  mercy 
upon  us  thy  servants.  We  most  earnestly  desire 
pardon  and  forgiveness,  for  all  that  thou  hast  seen 
amiss  in  us  this  day.  Eenew  in  us,  heavenly 
Father,  whatsoever  hath  been  impaired  by  the 
fraud  and  malice  of  the  devil,  or  by  our  own  car- 
nal will  and  frailty.  Keep  us  in  the  faith,  and  in 
the  unity  of  thy  holy  Church.  Impute  not  unto 
us  our  former  sins ;  but  strengthen  us  by  thy 
holy  Spirit,  and  fit  and  prepare  us  to  dwell  with 
thee  forever. 

O  God,  who  sparest  when  we  deserve  punish- 
ment, and  in  thy  wrath  rememberest  mercy,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee,  of  thy  great  goodness,  to 
comfort  and  succor  us  in  all  our  troubles  and  ad- 
versities, whensoever  they  oppress  us.  Correct 
us  not  in  thine  anger,  neither  chasten  us  in  thy 
heavy  displeasure.  Give  us  a  right  understand- 
ing of  thy  threats  and  promises,  that  we  may 
neither  cast  away  our  confidence  in  thee,  nor 
place  it  anywhere  but  in  thee.  Believe  the  dis- 
tressed ;  protect  the  innocent ;  and  awaken  the 
careless  and  neghgent.  And  forasmuch  as  thou 
alone  canst  bring  light  out  of  darkness,  and  good 
out  of  evil,  grant  that  the  trials  and  troubles  which 
we  may  endure,  may  tend  to  pnrify  our  hearts. 


LENT.  115 

and  set  us  free  from  the  bondage  of  sin  and  the 
wiles  of  the  adversary.  Show  thy  servants  the 
light  of  thy  countenance,  and  save  us  for  thy 
mercies'  sake. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  this  solemn  season  may 
prove  a  time  of  refreshing  to  our  souls.  Give 
unto  us  a  spirit  of  prayer  and  supplication,  that 
we  may  approach  thy  throne  at  all  times  with 
humble  reverence  and  godly  fear ;  and  hearken 
unto  our  voice,  0  Lord,  when  we  cry  unto  thee. 
Make  us  a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and  renew  a  right 
spirit  within  us.  Help  us  to  call  our  past  ways 
to  remembrance,  that  we  may  chasten  our  souls, 
under  a  sense  of  our  manifold  transgressions. 
Help  us  to  meditate  on  all  thy  goodness  and  for- 
bearance, while  we  have  rebelled  against  thee,  and 
provoked  thee  to  anger.  Help  us  to  confess  and 
forsake  our  sins,  that  thou  mayest  have  mercy 
upon  us.  Be  not  displeased  with  us  forever. 
Turn  our  hearts  unto  thee,  and  let  thine  anger 
cease  from  us.  Help  us  to  keep  a  watch  over  our 
hearts,  and  over  all  our  future  ways  ;  that  so  we 
may  serve  thee  in  righteousness  and  holiness  all 
the  days  of  our  life. 

0  Almighty  God,  who  art  a  most  strong  tower 
to  all  who  put  their  trust  in  thee ;  to  whom  all 
things  in  heaven,  in  earth,  and  under  the  earth, 
do  bow  and  obey ;  we  commend  to'  thy  gracious 
care  and  protection,  all  our  dear  relatives  and 
friends,  both  present  and  absent.     Be  now  and 


116  LENT. 

evermore  our  defence ;  and  make  us  to  know  and 
to  feel  tliat  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
given  to  man,  in  whom  and  through  whom  we 
may  receive  salvation,  but  only  the  name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

And  in  this  all-prevailing  name  we  conclude 
our  petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 


Almighty  God  and  merciful  Father,  thou  art 
our  hope  and  our  strong  hold :  thou  art  our  God, 
in  whom  we  will  trust.  Thou  hast  kept  us 
through  the  dangers  of  the  past  night :  Thou  hast 
brought  us  in  safety  to  the  beginning  of  another 
day.  For  these,  thy  great  mercies,  we  bless  thee, 
we  praise  thee,  we  glorify  thy  name.  May  we 
come  before  thee,  under  a  deep  and  humiliating 
sense  of  our  unworthiness.  Helpless  and  miser- 
able sinners,  we  ask  nothing  for  our  own  merits  or 
deservings.  But  we  know,  0  Lord  God,  that  thou 
art  full  of  compassion  and  mercy,  long-suffering, 
and  plenteous  in  goodness  and  truth.  0  turn  thee 
unto  us,  therefore,  in  pity  and  forbearance,  and 
have  mercy  upon  us.  For  the  sake  of  thy  dear 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  pardon  our  transgressions,  and 
receive  us  graciously,  and  hear  the  supplications 


LENT.  117 

which  we  present  unto  thee  in  his  all-prevailing 
name. 

And  since  we  are  by  nature  prone  to  evil,  and 
unable  of  ourselves  to  purify  our  hearts,  we  pray 
thee,  0  God,  to  cleanse  our  thoughts  by  the  power- 
ful efficacy  of  thy  grace,  from  all  vain  desires,  and 
sinful  imaginations.  Grant  unto  us  thy  holy 
Spirit.  May  it  dwell  within  us,  as  a  spirit  of 
purity  and  holiness,  a  spirit  of  truth  and  of  wisdom, 
of  peace  also,  and  love,  and  of  holy  joy,  and  con- 
solation. May  we  pass  this  day  in  humble  con- 
sciousness of  our  dependence,  in  thankful  re- 
membrance of  thy  mercies,  and  in  the  diligent 
performance  of  thy  commandments.  May  no 
evil  thoughts,  or  angry  passions,  or  distressing 
doubts  or  fears  disturb  us.  May  we  serve  thee, 
our  God,  with  cheerfulness  and  fidelity  ;  and  live 
in  peace,  and  charity,  and  brotherly  love  with  all 
men.  May  we  be  kind  and  benevolent ;  patient 
under  adversity,  and  thankful  in  prosperity  ;  and 
pass  all  our  days  in  sobriety,  moderation,  and 
temperance. 

We  pray  thee,  0  Lord,  so  to  animate  our  minds 
with  the  glorious  hopes  set  before  us  in  thy  word, 
that  all  our  present  trials,  and  sacrifices,  and  self- 
denials,  may  be  borne  with  cheerful  resignation 
and  submission.  May  we  count  the  loss  of  all 
things  as  nothing,  in  comparison  with  the  inward 
satisfaction  and  joy,  which  the  gospel  affords  in 
the  midst  of  worldly  disappointments.  But,  O 
God,  deliver  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  every  false 


UFIVBRSITT)) 


118  LENT. 

or  delusive  hope.  Let  us  examine  well  our  foun- 
dation ;  and  let  us  remember,  that  other  founda- 
tion can  no  man  lay,  than  that  which  is  laid,  even 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  On  this  foundation  may 
we  begin,  and  continue,  and  finish,  all  our  doings ; 
until  every  evil  habit  is  destroyed,  every  sinful 
inclination  cast  out,  every  temptation  overcome, 
and  every  terror  done  away  ;  and  until  the  Spirit 
itself  bears  witness  with  our  spirit,  that  we  are 
the  children  of  God. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

To  the  care  and  protection  of  thy  good  provi- 
dence, heavenly  Father,  we  now  commend  our- 
selves, and  all  our  relatives,  friends,  and  brethren. 
Look  with  favor  upon  those  who  ask  an  interest 
in  our  prayers  ;  and  may  our  mutual  and  united 
supplications  ascend  to  thy  throne  as  acceptable 
incense,  and  receive  an  answer  of  peace,  through 
the  merits  and  intercession  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 


O  merciful  God  and  heavenly  Father,  Maker  of 
all  things,  and  Judge  of  all  men,  we,  the  helpless 
creatures  of  thy  bounty,  and  the  humble  depend- 
ants  on    thy  will,  desire    now  to   offer  up  our 


LENT.  119 

acknowledgments  to  thee,  for  all  thy  goodness,  and 
especially  for  thy  over-ruling  care  and  protection 
during  the  past  day.  We  approach  thy  throne  as 
unworthy  sinners,  and  implore  thy  forgiving 
mercy.  We  lament  the  trespasses  which  we  daily 
commit  against  thee.  Thou  knowest  all  our  in- 
firmities, and  seest  all  our  hearts,  and  searchest 
out  all  our  ways.  Pity,  we  beseech  thee,  our 
blindness  and  ignorance,  and  our  proneness  to 
err  from  the  paths  of  uprightness.  Our  hearts 
are  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  desperately 
wicked ;  and  we  know  not  in  how  many  things 
we  constantly  offend.  But  we  beseech  thee,  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake,  to  pardon  whatever  evil  we 
have  thought,  or  said,  or  done  this  day.  Turn 
away  thy  face  from  the  multitude  of  our  iniqui- 
ties, and  enable  us  to  examine  our  hearts  and  lives 
by  the  light  of  thine  unerring  word,  that  we  may 
repent  and  turn  from  our  transgressions,  that 
iniquity  may  not  be  our  ruin. 

We  pray  thee  to  pour  down  upon  us  the  gift  of 
thy  holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  amend  our  ways, 
and  purify  our  hearts,  and  walk  before  thee  in 
newness  of  life.  Teach  us  to  improve  the  means 
of  grace  and  knowledge  with  which  we  are 
favored :  Rememberii  g  always,  that  unto  whom 
much  is  given,  of  them  will  much  be  required. 
Let  us  not  bury  the  talent  which  thou  hast  be- 
stowed upon  us,  lest  we  stand  condemned  as  un- 
profitable servants.  As  we  have  received  Christ 
Jesus  the  Lord,  so  let  us  walk  in  him.     May  we 


120  LENT. 

cultivate  those  tempers,  and  abound  in  those 
works,  which  the  gospel  requires.  May  the 
graces  of  meekness  and  patience,  of  kindness  and 
forbearance,  of  benevolence  and  charity,  be  the 
ornaments  of  our  lives.  Being  estabhshed  in  the 
love  of  God,  may  we  also  love  our  fellow-men 
with  pureness  and  singleness  of  heart :  And  let 
us  abound  in  all  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which 
are  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of 
God. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  beseech  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  bless  unto 
us  the  events  of  thy  holy  providence ;  and  so  to 
order  all  things,  during  the  remainder  of  our  days, 
that  they  may  issue  in  our  eternal  good.  Make  us 
duly  sensible  at  all  times,  of  the  shortness  and 
uncertainty  of  human  life.  Teach  us  to  realize  the 
solemn  truth,  that  we  know  not  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth,  or  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow. 
Sanctify  to  us  all  the  vicissitudes  through  which 
we  are  called  to  pass,  whether  prosperity  or  adver- 
sity, health  or  sickness,  joy  or  sorrow.  May  we 
consider  all  things  as  coming  from  thy  fatherly 
hand;  that  we  may  neither  repine  under  thy  chas- 
tisements, nor  prove  forgetful  of  thy  mercies.  In 
cheerfulness  and  contentment,  and  in  reconcilia- 
tion with  thee,  our  God,  may  we  enjoy  peace 
within  ourselves,  and  live  in  perfect  charity  with 
all  mankind. 

We  ask  for  all,  for  ourselves,  and  in  behalf  of 
those  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us,  in  the  name 


LENT.  121 

of  Jesus  Christ,  our  blessed  Lord   and  Saviour. 
Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 


0  most  merciful  God,  behold  with  compassion 
thy  weak  and  sinful  creatures,  waiting  for  thy 
blessing  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Grant  us  a  spirit 
of  prayer  and  supplication,  that  we  may  approach 
thee  in  a  time  acceptable,  and  offer  unto  thee  the 
sincere  devotions  of  humble  and  contrite  hearts. 
And  hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  loving  kindness ; 
and  in  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  draw 
nigh  unto  thy  servants,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed 
with  the  precious  blood  of  thy  dear  Son. 

We  do  not  present  our  supplications,  hoping  to 
be  heard  for  our  own  righteousness ;  for  we  ac- 
knowledge that  we  are  unworthy  sinners,  and  can 
not  justify  ourselves  in  thy  sight.  But  we  bow 
the  knee  before  thee  in  the  name  of  him,  whom 
thou  thyself  hast  made  the  Lord  our  Kighteous- 
ness :  And  through  him  we  pray  thee  to  show  us 
thy  mercy,  and  to  grant  us  thy  salvation. 

May  we  now  go^forth  to  the  discharge  of  our 
several  duties,  in  thy  fear,  and  in  humble  depend- 
ence on  thy  protection.     Grant  us  thy  Holy  Spirit, 

to  guide  and  direct  us  in  all  the  relations  of  life, 

11 


122  LENT. 

and  to  restrain  us  from  every  vain  and  sinful 
indulgence.  Enable  us  to  abstain  from  those  • 
luxuries  and  pleasures  whicb  turn  away  the  heart 
from  serving  thee,  and  endanger  the  peace  and 
welfare  of  the  soiil.  Preserve  lis  from  the  snares 
and  enticements  of  the  wicked.  Keep  our  feet 
from  falling,  and  our  souls  from  death,  that  we 
may  walk  before  thee  in  the  light  of  the  living. 
Dispose  us,  day  by  day,  to  give  all  diligence,  to 
add  to  our  faith  virtue,  and  to  virtue  knowledge, 
and  to  knowledge  temperance,  and  to  temperance 
brotherly  kindness,  and  to  brotherly  kindness 
charity.  Grant  that  these,  and  all  other  heavenly 
dispositions,  may  be  in  us  and  abound,  that  so  we 
may  not  be  idle  or  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Prepare  us,  0  God,  for  the  various  changes  of 
this  mortal  life.  In  every  visitation,  may  we  see 
thy  over-ruling  hand ;  that  we  may  humble  our- 
selves in  adversity,  and  receive  thy  bounties  with 
devout  and  thankful  hearts.  Eegard  with  com- 
passion all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men.  Preserve 
the  rich  from  temptation ;  and  teach  them  to  trust 
not  in  uncertain  riches,  but  in  thee  the  living  God. 
And  to  the  poor,  give  contentment  and  submis- 
sion ;  that  they  may  be  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of 
the  kingdom  which  thou  hast,  promised  to  them 
that  love  thee.  Save  and  defend  all  the  faithful 
in  Christ  Jesus.  Holy  Father,  keep  through  thine 
own  name  those  whom  thou  hast  given  him ;  that 


LENT.  123 

they  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  him, 
and  he  in  thee ;  that  they  also  may  be  one,  even 
as  ye  are  one. 

Comfort  the  afflicted;  succor  the  tempted; 
strengthen  the  weak ;  instruct  the  ignorant ;  and 
reclaim  the  wandering :  And  grant  unto  all  men, 
that  godliness  which  is  profitable  unto  all  things ; 
having  the  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of 
that  which  is  to  come. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  O 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amm. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


PRIDAT  EVENING. 


0  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
who  art  our  constant  protector,  and  the  giver  of 
"every  blessing  which  we  enjoy ;  we  humbly  and 
heartily  thank  thee  for  thy  mercies  during  the 
past  day ;  and  we  pray  thee  to  preserve  us  through 
the  night,  and  to  cause  thy  peace  at  this  time  to 
rest  upon  us.  We  ask  the  forgiveness  of  all  our 
sins.  Eemember  not  against  us  the  transgressions 
of  this  day,  or  of  our  past  lives :  But  grant  unto 
us  true  repentance,  and  a  saving  faith  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.     Give  us  a  due  sense  of  our  great 


124  LENT. 

un worthiness,  and  of  the  manifold  transgressions 
which  we  daily  commit  against  thee.  Help  ns  to 
exercise  that  godly  sorrow  which  Avorketh  repent- 
ance unto  salvation.  And  when  we  appear  before 
thee,  weary  and  heavy-laden  with  the  burden  of 
our  sins,  we  beseech  thee  to  show  unto  us  the  light 
of  thy  reconciled  countenance,  and  grant  us  the 
comforts  of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  that  we  may  go  to 
our  rest  in  peace,  and  in  the  hope  of  pardon  of  all 
our  sins,  through  the  all-prevailing  merits  of  our 
dear  Redeemer. 

Teach  us,  O  Lord,  so  to  number  our  days,  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Let  us 
remember,  that  we  are  daily  and  hourly  drawing 
nearer  to  the  grave :  And  may  we  learn,  by  every 
instance  of  mortality,  that  our  hold  on  life  is  feeble 
and  uncertain,  and  we  know  not  how  soon  it  may 
please  thee  to  bring  it  to  an  end.  O  blessed  Lord, 
by  whose  mercy  we  have  been  spared  another  day, 
give  us  grace  to  redeem  the  time  that  yet  remains, 
and  to  use  all  diligence  to  fill  up  the  measure  of 
our  duties,  and  to  finish  the  work  which  thou  hast 
given  us  to  do,  before  we  be  called  hence,  to  give 
up  our  account  to  thee. 

Let  us  beware,  that  we  stifle  not  the  voice  of  an 
awakened  conscience,  nor  neglect  or  delay  to  exe- 
cute any  good  resolutions  which,  by  thy  grace,  we 
have  formed.  Above  all,  may  no  one  put  off  the 
work  of  repentance,  or  refuse  to  hear  the  warnings 
of  the  gospel.  Dispose  us,  at  the  close  of  every 
day,  to  try  and  examine  our  lives  by  the  standard 


LENT.  126 

of  tTiy  lioly  word ;  that  we  may  turn  from  every 
evil  way,  and  live  henceforth  as  becomes  the 
creatures  of  thy  bounty,  and  the  partakers  of  thy 
grace. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Bless,  we  pray  thee,  all  our  relatives,  friends, 
and  brethren.  Make  them  thy  children  by  adop- 
tion and  grace,  and  extend  to  them  all  the  benefits 
of  thy  gospel.  Have  mercy  on  our  native  land; 
and  continue  to  us,  if  it  please  thee,  the  blessings 
which  we  have  so  long  and  so  unthankfully  en- 
joyed. Save  us  from  national  judgments;  and 
punish  us  not  according  to  our  deserts.  But  spare 
us,  good  Lord ;  spare  us,  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear 
Son.  Give  wisdom  and  integrity,  we  beseech 
thee,  to  our  civil  rulers  and  magistrates.  May 
they  rule  in  thy  fear,  and  seek  thy  glory.  Endue 
them,  and  the  people  under  them,  with  that  right- 
eousness which  exalteth  a  nation ;  and  save  them 
from  those  sins  which  are  a  reproach  to  any  people. 

These  and  all  other  things  needful  for  our  bodies 
and  our  souls,  for  our  temporal  and  eternal  inter- 
ests, we  humbly  ask,  in  the  name  of  our  only 
mediator  and  intercessor  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 

11* 


I 


126  LENT. 

SATURDAY  MORNING. 

0  most  gracious  and  merciful  God,  we  beseech 
thee  to  pour  down  thy  blessing  on  us,  thy  servants, 
who  are  now  assembled  in  thy  presence,  to  confess 
our  sins,  to  praise  thy  name,  and  to  implore  the 
continuance  of  thy  mercies  through  another  day. 
We  are  weak  and  helpless,  sinful  and  corrupt,  and 
exposed  to  danger  on  every  side.  We  stand  in 
continual  need  of  thy  assistance ;  and  without  thee 
we  can  do  nothing.  But  how  shall  we  come  into 
thy  presence,  before  whom  the  angels  veil  their 
faces,  and  in  whose  sight  the  heavens  are  not 
clean  !  Blessed  be  thy  holy  name  that  a  door  of 
access  has  been  opened  to  thy  throne,  through  the 
atoning  sacrifice  of  thy  beloved  Son.  Blessed  be 
thy  holy  name,  for  the  gracious  assurance,  that 
whosoever  shall  seek  thy  face  through  the  all-pre- 
vailing ef&cacy  of  his  intercession,  shall  in  no  wise 
be  cast  out.  We  come  to  thee,  pleading  this  thy 
assurance ;  and  we  beseech  thee,  of  thine  infinite 
goodness,  to  continue  to  us  this  day,  thy  wonted 
care  and  protection ;  and  enable  us  to  discharge, 
with  fidelity  and  diligence,  all  the  duties  of  our 
several  callings. 

Enable  us  to  pass  this  day,  under  an  abiding 
sense  of  thy  continual  presence,  wheresoever  we 
are.  Let  us  remember,  that  thou  searchest  out  all 
our  ways;  and  that  there  is  not  a  word  in  our 
tongue,  or  a  thought  or  intent  of  our  heart,  that 
is  not  known  to  thee  our  Grod.     We  pray  thee 


LENT.  •  127 

therefore  to  bring  all  our  most  secret  thoughts 
into  subjection  to  the  gospel;  and  enable  us  so 
to  live,  that  we  may  have  the  testimony  of  our 
consciences,  that  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity, 
we  have  our  conversation  in  the  world. 

Give  us  grace  to  overcome  our  sinful  appetites 
and  passions ;  to  mortify  our  pride ;  and  to  bring 
every  member  of  our  bodies,  and  every  faculty  of 
our  souls,  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  Christ.  May 
we  put  away  all  hatred  and  variance,  all  anger  and 
strife,  all  malice  and  evil-speaking ;  and  learn  to 
forgive  one  another,  even  as  we  hope  to  be  for- 
given. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  Sec] 

Prepare  us,  0  God,  for  all  the  events  of  this 
day.  Sanctify  to  us  our  prosperity  and  our  ad- 
versity, our  health  and  our  sickness,  our  daily 
comforts  and  enjoyments,  as  well  as  our  anxieties 
and  disappointments.  Purify  our  hearts  more  and 
more,  by  the  various  dispensations  of  thy  provi- 
dence ;  and  fit  us,  by  the  several  vicissitudes  of 
this  mortal  life,  for  that  great  and  final  change 
which  we  must  soon  experience. 

We  earnestly  commend  to  thy  fatherly  care,  all 
those  whom  it  is  our  duty  to  remember  in  our 
prayers.  Be  merciful  to  all  men ;  and  especially 
to  the  poor,  the  sick,  the  needy,  and  the  afflicted. 
Make  all  their  troubles  and  trials  to  work  together 
for  their  present  and  eternal  good,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  the  Father,  and 


128  LENT. 

the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EVENIKG. 


Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we  come 
before  thee,  humbled  under  a  sense  of  our  sins  and 
infirmities,  beseeching  thee  to  look  down  upon  us 
in  thy  wonted  pity  and  compassion,  pardoning 
our  iniquities,  and  accepting  our  supplications,  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

In  the  midst  of  thy  manifold  and  great  mercies, 
we  lament  the  coldness  of  our  hearts,  and  the  im- 
perfection of  our  best  services.  We  have  left 
undone  those  things  which  we  ought  to  have  done ; 
and  we  have  done  those  things  which  we  ought 
not  to  have  done ;  and  we  feel  and  acknowledge 
that,  in  our  best  estate,  we  are  unprofitable  ser- 
vants. But,  0  God,  we  draw  near  to  thee,  in  pen- 
itence and  contrition,  asking  forgiveness  for  all 
our  misdoings,  and  especially  for  the  transgressions 
of  the  past  day.  Who  can  tell  how  often  he  of- 
fendeth !  0  cleanse  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  our 
secret  faults ;  and  purify  our  hearts,  and  sanctify 
our  affections,  that  we  may  henceforth  serve  thee 
in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the  days  of  out 
life. 


LENT.  129 

We  ask  nothing  for  our  own  merits :  But  we 
plead  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  in  whom 
thou  hast  taught  us  to  place  our  whole  confidence 
and  hope.  0  Father  Almighty,  pardon  us  for  his 
sake.  May  his  meritorious  sacrifice  atone  for  our 
offences:  May  his  precious  blood  cleanse  our 
hearts  from  every  stain  of  guilt :  May  his  inter- 
cession prevail  with  thee  in  our  behalf:  May  we 
believe  unfeignedly  in  his  name :  May  we  bring 
forth  fruits  of  obedience  worthy  of  this  faith: 
May  we  be  justified  freely  by  his  grace :  and  may 
we  go  to  rest  this  night,  in  peace  with  thee,  and  in 
perfect  charity  with  all  mankind. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Prepare  our  minds,  O  God,  for  the  solemn  duties 
of  the  ensuing  day.  Give  us  grace  to  examine 
our  hearts  and  lives,  by  the  standard  of  thy  pure 
and  holy  law.  Let  us  earnestly  inquire,  whether 
we  have  truly  renounced  the  devil  and  all  his 
works,  the  vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  and 
the  sinful  desires  of  the  flesh.  Let  us  search  out 
all  deceitful  evasions,  and  flattering  disguises,  and 
endeavor  to  know  ourselves,  even  as  we  are 
known  of  thee.  Let  us  look  back  on  our  past 
transgressions,  with  shame  and  contrition,  and 
with  sincere  purpose  and  desire  to  live  hereafter 
to  thy  glory.  And  being  thus  prepared,  0  God, 
may  the  coming  sabbath  be  a  day  of  rest  and 
peace  to  our  souls.  May  we  go  with  the  multitude, 
to  thy  house  of  prayer.  There  may  we  offer  thee 
a  holy  worship.     May  we  grow  in   grace,   and 


13C  LENT. 

learn  more  and  more  how  to  walk  so  as  to  please 
thee:  and  thus  be  prepared  for  that  better  sab- 
bath, that  eternal  rest,  which  remains  for  the 
people  of  God. 

Grant  us  these  our  humble  petitions,  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour.    Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Unto  God's  gracious  care  and  protection  we 
now  commit  ourselves,  and  all  our  relatives,  friends, 
and  brethren,  for  this  night.  The  Lord  bless  us 
and  keep  us.  The  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine 
upon  us,  and  be  merciful  unto  us.  The  Lord  lift 
up  his  countenance  upon  us,  and  give  us  peace, 
both  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


fasMou  Mttk. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

O  Lord,  the  great  and  dreadful  God,  keeping 
thy  covenant  and  mercy  to  them  that  love  thee  and 
obey  thy  commandments;  we  have  sinned,  and 
have  committed  iniquity,  and  have  done  wickedly, 
even  by  departing  from  thy  precepts,,  and  from 
thy  judgments  ;  neither  have  we  hearkened  unto 
thy  holy  word.  O  Lord,  righteousness  belongeth 
unto  thee,  but  unto  us  confusion  of  face,  because 
we  have  sinned  against  thee.  To  thee,  our  God, 
belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  though  we  have 
rebelled  against  thee;  neither  have  we  obeyed 
thy  voice,  to  walk  in  thy  laws,  which  thou  hast 
set  before  us.  0  Lord,  according  to  all  thy 
righteousness,  we  beseech  thee,  let  thine  anger 
and  thy  fury  be  turned  away  from  us. "  Hear  our 
prayers  and  our  supplications,  which  we  make 
before  thee  this  day  ;  and  cause  thy  face  to  shine 
upon  US  in  thy  sanctuary :  For  we  do  not  present 
our  supplications  before  thee  for  our  righteous- 
ness, but  for  thy  great  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus. 

We  adore  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  thy  tender 
love  towards  mankind,  in  sending  thy  only  Son 
our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  into  the  world,  to  take 


I 


132  PASSION    WEEK. 

upon  him  our  flesh,  and  suffer  death  upon  the 
cross  for  our  redemption.  Grant  us  grace  to 
meditate,  with  deep  humility  and  contrition,  on 
this  great  mystery  of  godliness.  Grant  that  the 
lessons  of  thy  holy  word,  which  are  brought  be- 
fore us  this  day,  may  prove  profitable  to  us,  for 
doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction 
in  righteousness,  that  we  may  be  perfected  in 
holiness,  and  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good 
works. 

When  we  behold  our  blessed  Saviour,  betrayed 
and  given  up  into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  to  be 
crucified,  may  we  learn  to  guard  against  those 
wicked  and  deceitful  lusts  which  war  against  the 
soul.  When  we  witness  the  weakness  and  frailty 
of  the  early  disciples  of  our  suffering  Lord,  may 
we  the  more  earnestly  seek  for  that  grace,  which 
alone  can  strengthen  our  faith,  and  help  us  in 
time  of  need.  When  we  call  to  our  remembrance 
the  Saviour's  agony  and  bloody  sweat,  and  behold 
him  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death,  may 
our  hearts  bleed  with  penitence  and  contrition ; 
and  may  we  abhor  and  renounce  those  sins  and 
iniquities  for  which  he  was  stricken,  and  wounded, 
and  put  to  grief.  When  we  see  him  despised  and 
rejected,  and  hear  the  cry  of  Crucify  him  !  Crucify 
him !  may  we  strive  to  subdue  those  unholy 
passions,  by  which  we  crucify  our  Lord  afresh, 
and  put  his  cause  to  open  shame.  When  we  see 
the  meek  and  lowly  Redeemer,  led  as  a  lamb  to 
the   slaughter,   neither  opening  his   mouth,  nor 


r 


PASSION    WEEK.  133 

resisting  the  violence  of  his  oppressors,  may  we 
learn  to  imitate  the  example  of  his  great  humility, 
and  patiently  follow  him  whithersoever  his  voice 
shall  call  us.  When  we  see  the  atoning  blood, 
flowing  down  from  the  cross,  may  we,  by  a  true 
and  living  faith,  so  apply  it  to  our  hearts,  that 
our  guilt  may  be  washed  away,  and  we  may 
appear  before  thee,  clothed  in  the  spotless  robe  of 
the  righteousness  of  Christ. 

And  may  we  from  henceforth,  O  God,  faithfully 
follow  that  Blessed  and  Holy  One,  whom  thou 
hast  highly  exalted,  and  to  whom  thou  hast  given 
a  name  that  is  above  every  name;  that  at  the 
name  of  Jesus  every  knee  may  bow,  of  things  in 
heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and  things  under  the 
earth ;  and  that  every  tongue  may  confess  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the 
Father. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  may  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  with  us  all  evermore.    Amen, 


SUNDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  we  adore  thee 
for  thy  tender  compassion  and  loving  kindness  to 
us,  and  to  the  whole  family  of  mankind.     We 


12 


134  PASSION   WEEK. 

bless  thee  for  the  gift  of  thy  dear  Son,  through 
whose  atoning  sacrifice  we  are  brought  near  to 
thee,  and  by  whose  meritorious  death  and  passion 
we  are  redeemed  from  death,  and  from  the  guilt 
and  burden  of  our  sins.  We  do  not  presume  to 
come  before  thee,  0  merciful  Lord,  trusting  in 
our  own  righteousness,  but  in  thy  manifold  and 
great  mercies.  We  acknowledge  and  bewail  our 
many  and  sore  offences,  for  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient 
unto  death,  even  the  painful  death  of  the  cross ; 
and  for  which  thoa  wast  pleased  to  bruise  him, 
and  put  him  to  grief.  May  we  keep  in  lively 
remembrance  the  agonies  which  he  endured  for 
our  sake.  May  we  remember,  that  he  hath  borne 
our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows  ;  that  he  was 
wounded  for  our  transgressions,  and  bruised  for 
our  iniquities  ;  that  the  chastisement  of  our  peace 
was  upon  him  ;  that  by  his  stripes  we  are  healed ; 
and  that  upon  him  was  laid  the  iniquity  of  us  all. 
May  we  remember  the  exceeding  great  love  of  our 
blessed  Saviour  Jesua  Christ,  in  dying  for  our 
sins,  and  the  innumerable  benefits,  which  by  his 
precious  blood-shedding  he  hath  obtained  for  us. 
And  may  we  offer  and  present  unto  thee,  our- 
selves, our  souls,  and  bodies,  to  be  a  reasonable 
holy,  and  living  sacrifice ;  humbly  beseeching 
thee,  at  all  times,  to  accept  our  bounden  duty  and 
service,  not  weighing  our  merits,  but  pardoning 
our  offences,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 


PASSION   WEEK.  135 

Grant,  heavenly  Father,  that  the  instructive 
lessons  which  we  have  heard  this  day  with  our 
outward  ears,  may,  through  thy  grace,  be  so 
grafted  inwardly  in  our  hearts,  that  they  may 
bring  forth  in  us  the  fruits  of  good  living ;  and 
that  in  all  our  walk  and  conversation,  we  may 
henceforth  glory  in  nothing  else  but  the  cross  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Prepare  our  hearts,  O  God,  for  the  solemn  duties 
of  the  present  week.  Direct  our  meditations,  and 
give  us  grace  to  enter  into  thy  presence,  by  the 
blood  of  Jesus,  by  that  mew  and  living  way  which 
he  hath  consecrated  for  us ;  and  having  him  for 
our  Great  High  Priest,  may  we  draw  near  with  a 
true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our 
hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our 
bodies  washed  with  pure  water.  May  we  hold 
fast  the  profession  of  our  faith  without  wavering, 
knowing  that  he  is  faithful  who  hath  promised  to 
him  that  overcometh,  a  crown  of  victory  and 
eternal  glory.  All  which  we  ask  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Unto  God's  gracious  care  and  protection,  we 
now  commit  ourselves,  and  all  our  relatives  and 
friends,  for  this  night.  The  Lord  bless  us  and 
keep  us.  The  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon 
us,  and  be  merciful  unto  us.  The  Lord  lift  up 
his  countenance  upon  us  and  give  us  peace,  both 
now  and  evermore.     Amen, 


186  PASSION  WEEK. 

MONDAT,  TUESDAY,  WEDNESDAY,  AND  THURSDAY 
MORNING. 

Almiglity  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and 
earth  is  named,  we  bow  our  knees  before  thee, 
beseeching  thee  to  look  down  upon  us  from  the 
habitation  of  thy  glory,  and  mercifully  hear  and 
accept  the  supplications  with  which  we  begin  this 
day.  Grant  us,  according  to  the  riches  of  thy 
grace,  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  thy  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man  ;  that  Christ  may  dwell  in  our 
hearts  by  faith ;  that,  being  rooted  and  grounded 
in  love,  we  may  be  able  to  comprehend  what  is 
the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and  height ; 
and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth 
knowledge,  that  we  may  be  filled  with  all  the 
fullness  of  thee,  our  God. 

With  the  returning  light  of  another  day,  grant 
us  grace  to  meditate  on  the  wonders  of  redeeming 
grace.  Give  us  a  grateful  sense  of  thy  unspeak- 
able love,  in  sending  thy  blessed  Son  Jesus  Christ 
into  the  world  to  die  for  us,  while  we  were  yet 
sinners,  that  he  might  reconcile  us  unto  thee. 
May  we  behold  in  his  meritorious  death,  that  one 
oblation  of  himself,  once  offered,  by  which  he 
hath  perfected  forever  them  that  are  sanctified,  by 
finishing  transgression,  making  an  end  of  sin, 
making  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  bringing . 
in  everlasting  righteousness. 

Help  us  to  draw  near  to  the  cross  of  Jesus,  that 


PASSION   WEEK. 


187 


our  eyes  and  our  hearts  may  be  turned  away  from 
the  pomps  and  vanities  of  the  world :  And  when 
we  behold  the  Lord  of  glory  bearing  our  sins  in 
his  own  body  on  the  tree,  may  the  world  be 
crucified  unto  us,  and  we  unto  the  world.  When 
we  behold  the  suffering  Eedeemer,  tasting  death 
for  our  sins,  teach  us  to  bear  afflictions  and  trials 
with  patience  and  resignation.  In  all  our  afflic- 
tions, may  we  turn  to  the  example  of  him,  who 
was  oppressed  and  afflicted,  yet  opened  not  his 
mouth ;  who,  when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not 
again ;  when  he  suffered,  threatened  not ;  but 
committed  himself  unto  him  who  judgeth  right- 
eously. In  all  our  troubles  and  adversities,  enable 
us,  in  the  true  spirit  of  our  suffering  Lord,  to  say, 
not  our  will,  O  Father,  but  thine  be  done. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  by  whose  Spirit 
the  whole  body  of  the  Church  is  governed  and- 
•sanctified,  receive  our  supplications  and  prayers 
for  all  our  friends,  relatives,  and  brethren,  and  for 
all  conditions  of  men  in  thy  holy  Church :  And 
grant  that  every  member  of  the  same,  in  his  voca- 
tion and  ministry,  may  truly  and  godly  serve  thee, 
through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
Amen, 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c, 

12* 


188  PASSION   WEEK* 


MONDAY,  TUESDAY,  WEDNESDAY,  AND  THURSDAY 
EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

All  glory  be  to  thee,  Almighty  God,  our 
heavenly  Father,  for  that  thou,  of  thy  tender 
mercy,  didst  give  thine  only  Son  Jesus  Christ  to 
suffer  death  upon  the  cross  for  our  redemption ; 
who  made  there,  by  his  one  oblation  of  himself 
once  offered,  a  full,  perfect,  and  sufficient  sacrifice, 
oblation,  and  satisfaction  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world.  Grant,  heavenly  Father,  that  by  his  merits 
and  death,  and  through  faith  in  his  blood,  we  and 
all  the  members  of  thy  Church,  may  obtain  re- 
mission of  our  sins,  and  all  other  benefits  of  his 
passion.  Grant  that  all  the  children  of  men  may 
be  brought  near  to  thee,  through  the  blood  of  the 
cross.  As  Christ  hath  died  for  all,  grant  unto  all 
the  abundance  of  thy  grace,  that  they  which  live, 
may  not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves,  but  unto 
him  who  died  for  them,  and  rose  again,  and  ever 
liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them  before  thy 
throne. 

Look  with  pity,  0  God,  upon  those  who  are 
bowed  down  under  a  sense  of  their  sins,  and  are 
weary  and  heavy-laden  with  the  burden  of  their 
guilt.  May  they  turn  unto  Jesus,  who  appeared 
on  earth  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  and  learn  of 
him.  May  they  take  upon  them  his  yoke,  which 
is  easy,  and  his  burden,  which  is  light,  and  thus 
find  rest  to  their  souls. 


PASSION   WEEK.  139 

Extend  thy  compassion,  heavenly  Father,  to  us, 
and  to  all  who  call  upon  thee  in  the  name  of  Lhy 
beloved  Son.  May  we  never  be  ashamed  of  Christ 
and  his  gospel,  nor  swerve  from  thy  testimonies, 
through  the  manifold  temptations  by  which  we 
are  surrounded.  Thou  knowest.  Lord,  the  secrets 
of  our  hearts.  Shut  not  thy  merciful  ears  to  our 
prayers ;  but  spare  us.  Lord  most  holy,  0  God 
most  mighty,  0  holy  and  merciful  Saviour,  thou 
most  worthy  Judge  eternal,  and  suffer  us  not,  in 
the  midst  of  our  earthly  trials,  to  fall  from  thee. 
In  all  our  sufferings  and  af&ictions,  enable  us  to 
possess  our  souls  in  patience.  When  thy  hand 
lieth  heavy  upon  us,  in  judgment,  or  in  chastise- 
ment, give  us  grace  to  loqk  up  to  heaven,  and  by 
faith  behold  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed,  and 
submit  ourselves  to  thy  righteous  dealing. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Accept  our  prayers  and  supplications,  0  God, 
as  well  for  others  as  for  ourselves.  Teach  us  to 
love  one  another,  as  Christ  hath  loved  us  ;  to  bear 
each  others'  burden;  and  so  to  fulfill  the  law 
of  Christ,  who  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto, 
but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his  life  a  ransom  for 
many.  Give  us  grace  also  to  love  our  enemies, ' 
and  from  our  heart  to  forgive  every  one  his  tres- 
passes against  us,  that  we  may  hope  to  be  for- 
given of  our  heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.     Amen.  ^ 

The  grace,  &c. 


140  PASSION  -WEEK. 

GOOD  FRIDAI  MORNING. 

O  Son  of  God,  we  beseecli  thee  to  liear  us.  0 
Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  grant  us  thy  peace.  O  Lamb  of  God,  who 
takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy 
upon  us.  0  Christ,  hear  us.  Lord,  have  mercy* 
upon  us.     Christ,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

O  Lord,  deal  not  with  us  according  to  our  sins ; 
neither  reward  us  according  to  our  iniquities.  But 
look  graciously  upon  us,  and  behold  with  pity  the 
sorrows  of  our  hearts.  Favorably  with  mercy 
hear  our  prayers,  and  forgive  the  sins  of  thy  peo- 
ple. Spare  us,  good  Lord ;  spare  thy  people,  for 
whom  thy  precious  blood  was  poured  out  upon 
the  cross.  By  the  mystery  of  thy  holy  incarna- 
tion ;  by  thy  holy  nativity  and  circumcision ;  by 
thy  baptism,  fasting,  and  temptation;  by  thine 
agony  and  bloody  sweat ;  by  thy  cross  and  passion ; 
and  by  thy  precious  death  and  burial ;  good  Lord 
deliver  "us. 

We  sinners  do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  at  all 
times,  and  especially  on  this  memorable  day. 
And,  O  blessed  Lord,  when  we  see  thee,  betrayed 
and  given  up  into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  to 
suffer  death  upon  the  cross,  for  our  redemption : 
When  we  see  thee,  mocked,  and  scourged,  and 
spit  upon,  and  crowned  with  thorns,  and  dragged 
away  to  crucifixion :  When  we  behold  thee,  thus 
bearing  our  sins  in  thine  own  body  on  the  tree : 


PASSION   WEEK  141 

Maj  we  feel  and  realize  the  exceeding  sinfulness 
of  sin ;  and  shun  and  abhor  all  those  evil  appetites 
and  passions,  which  crucify  thee  afresh,  and  put 
thee  and  thy  cause  to  open  shame. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  merciful  God,  who  hast  made  all  men,  and 
hatest  nothing  that  thou  hast  made,  nor  desirest 
the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  should  be 
converted  and  live,  have  mercy  upon  a  world  lying 
in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death.  May  the 
fountain  which,  as  on  this  day,  was  opened  for 
sin  and  for  uncleanness,  send  forth  its  healing 
streams  into  all  lands.  Look  with  pity,  0  God, 
upon  the  descendants  of  thine  ancient  people, 
Israel,  whose  forefathers  shed  the  innocent  blood 
of  thy  dear  Son.  Let  it  no  longer  rest  upon  them 
and  upon  their  children ;  but  take  from  them  all 
hardness  of  heart  and  unbelief.  Give  them  eyes 
to  see,  and  ears  to  hear,  and  hearts  to  understand. 
Pour  down  upon  them  the  spirit  of  grace  and  sup- 
plication, that  they  may  look  upon  him  whom 
they  have  pierced,  and  weep  for  themselves  and 
for  their  children,  and  be  saved  at  last  among  the 
remnant  of  the  true  Israelites.  Be  merciful  also 
to  those  who  are  living  in  unbelief,  and  denying 
the  Lord  that  bought  them ;  and  to  all  those  who, 
through  ignorance  or  superstition,  are  bowing 
down  to  idols,  or  worshipping  an  unknown  God. 
Take  from  them,  0  Lord,  all  ignorance,  hardness 
of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  word ;  and  at  last 
bring  them  home  to  thy  flock,  that  they  may  be 


I 


142  PASSION   WEEK. 

gathered  into  one  fold,  under  one  Shepherd,  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  the 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 


GOOD  FRIDAY  EVENING. 

O  Lord  God,  Lamb  of  God,  Son  of  the  Father, 
that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy 
upon  us.  Thou  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  receive  our  prayers.  Thou  that  sittest  at 
the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father,  have  mercy 
upon  us.  Though  thou  art  the  King  of  Glory,  0 
Christ;  though  thou  art  the  everlasting  Son  of 
the  Father;  yet,  for  our  deliverance  from  the 
bondage  of  sin  and  death,  thou  didst  humble  thy- 
self to  come  into  the  world  as  the  lowly  seed  of  a 
woman,  and  to  offer  thy  body  as  a  sacrifice  on  the 
cross ;  and  when  thou  hadst  overcome  the  sharp- 
ness of  death,  thou  didst  open  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  to  all  believers.  0  Lord,  let  thy  mercy 
be  upon  us  ;  and  let  those  that  trust  in  thee  never 
be  confounded. 

We  praise  thee,  0  God,  we  bless  thee,  we  wor- 
ship thee,  we  glorify  thee,  we  give  thanks  to  thee 
for  thy  great  goodness,  as  manifested  unto  us  in 
the  work  of  redemption.  We  bless  thee  for  thy 
great  mercy  in  again  permitting  us  to  commemo- 
rate the  dying  love  of  our  Saviour,  in  the  solemn 


I 


PASSION  WEEK.  143 

offices  of  thy  sanctuary.  We  bless  thee  for  that 
ministry  of  reconciliation,  by  which  repentance 
and  remission  of  sins  are  pr©claimed  to  lost  and 
helpless  sinners.  We  rejoice  that  we  are  encour- 
aged, through  the  preaching  of  thy  blessed  gospel, 
to  confess  our  sins,  to  renew  our  repentance,  and 
to  call  upon  thee,  the  Lord  our  God,  for  pardon 
and  forgiveness.  Grant  us,  with  all  thy  other 
mercies,  the  constant  aids  of  thy  holy  Spirit;  and 
so  apply  the  lessons  which  we  have  heard  this  day, 
to  our  hearts,  that  every  hurtful  passion  may  be 
subdued,  and  every  sinful  practice  renounced; 
and  that  we  may,  ever  hereafter,  obey  thy  godly 
motions  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  God,  we  now  commit  ourselves  to  thy  gra- 
cious care  and  protection  for  this  night.  Defend 
us,  and  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us  in  the  va- 
rious relations  of  life,  from  every  danger  and 
mischief,  and  from  all  fear  and  anxiety.  Grant 
us  such  rest  and  refreshment  as  may  fit  us  for  the 
several  duties  which  thou  mayest  require  of  us* 
And  keep  us  mindful,  heavenly  Father,  as  we  pass, 
on  from  day  to  day,  that  the  time  is  short,  and 
that  we  must  soon  follow  our  blessed  Saviour 
through  the  grave  and  gate  of  death ;  that  our 
frail  bodies  must  soon  be  laid  down  in  the  dust, 
and  that  our  immortal  spirits  must  return  to  God 
who  gave  them.  And  grant  us  grace  always  to 
live  in  such  a  state  of  preparation  that,  we  .may 
never  be  afraid  to  die.    May  our  flesh  rest  in  hope : 


I 


144  PASSION  WEEK. 

SO  that  at  last,  through  the  cross  and  passion  of 
thy  dear  Son,  we  may  be  brought  unto  the  glory 
of  his  resurrection,  aad  to  the  joys  of  thy  heavenly 
kingdom. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  through  the 
merits  of  the  same,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in 
whose  all-prevailing  words  we  sum  up  these  our 
petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 


0  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  early  in  the 
morning  do  we  flee  unto  thee.  Our  souls  do  wait 
for  thee.  Li  thy  word  is  our  trust.  Lord,  what 
is  man,  that  thou  so  regardest  him  ?  As  high  as 
the  heaven  is,  in  comparison  of  the  earth,  so  great 
is  thy  mercy  towards  them  that  fear  thee :  As  far 
also  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so  far  hast  thou 
removed  our  sins  from  us.  But,  0  God,  we  con- 
fess our  unworthiness  and  acknowledge  our  frailty. 
We  are  but  dust.  Thou  hast  made  our  days  as  it 
were  a  span  long,  and  our  age  is  even  as  nothing 
in  respect  of  thee ;  and  verily  every  man  living  is 
altogether  vanity.  At  thy  word  all  our  days  are 
gone :  They  come  to  an  end,  as  it  were  a  tale  that 
is  told.  The  grave  must  receive  us :  We  must  lie 
down  in  a  place  of  darkness.  But,  0  God,  accord- 
ing to  thy  promise,  thou  wilt  show  wonders  among 


PASSION  WEEK.  145 

the  dead ;  and  they  shall  rise  up  again  and  praise 
thee.  Thy  loving-kindness  shall  be  shown  in  the 
grave ;  and  thy  faithfulness  in  destruction.  Thy 
marvelous  works  shall  be  known  in  the  dark ;  and 
thy  righteousness  in  the  land  where  all  things  are 
forgotten.  Thou  hast  redeemed  us ;  and  thou 
canst  restore  us.  Thou  shalt  show  us  the  path  of 
life :  In  thy  presence  is  the  fullness  of  joy,  and  at 
thy  right  hand  there  is  pleasure  forevermore. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  as  we  are  baptized  into  the 
death  of  thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  as  he 
was  raised  from  the  dead,  even  so  we  also  may  be 
raised  from  the  death  of  sin,  and  walk  in  newness 
of  life.  Being  planted  togetlier  in  the  likeness  of 
his  death,  may  we  also  be  made  in  the  likeness  of 
his  resurrection.  May  our  old  man  be  crucified 
with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  may  be  destroyed, 
and  that  henceforth  we  may  not  serve  sin.  If  we 
be  dead  with  Christ,  give  us  faith  to  believe  that 
we  shall  also  live  with  him ;  knowing  that  Christ, 
being  raised  from  the  dead,  dieth  no  more ;  that 
death  hath  no  more  dominion  over  him.  For  in 
that  he  died,  he  died  unto  sin  once ;  but  in  that  he 
liveth,  he  liveth  unto  God.  May  we  also  ourselves 
be  dead  unto  sin,  but  alive  unto  God  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  May  sin  have  no  more  dominion 
over  us :  But  being  made  free  from  sin  and  be- 
come servants  to  God,  may  we  have  our  fruit  unto 
holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Grant  us  grace,  heavenly  Father,  to  live  this 
13 


146  PASSION  WEEK. 

day  in  thy  glory.  In  willing  obedience  to  thy 
commandments;  in  patient  and  humble  resigna- 
tion to  thy  will;  in  unreserved  confidence  in 
thy  justice,  goodness,  anQ  wisdom;  and  under  a 
grateful  sense  of  all  thy  mercies;  enable  us  to 
serve  thee  faithfully  all  the  days  of  our  life.  We 
pray  for  our  friends,  relatives,  and  benefactors; 
and  for  all  whom  we  are  bound  to  remember  in 
our  prayers.  May  we  all  be  found  at  last  among 
the  happy  number  whose  names  are  written  in  the 
book  of  everlasting  remembrance,  and  who  shall 
be  thine  in  that  day  when  thou  makest  up  thy 
jewels,  and  wben  thou  wilt  spare  them,  as  a  man 
spareth  his  own  son  that  serveth  him.  May  we 
so  follow  the  example  of  our  crucified  and  risen 
Saviour,  as  to  be  made  partakers  of  his  blessed 
resurrection,  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING  BEPORE  EASTER. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  once  suffered  for 
our  sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  to  bring  us  unto 
God,  being  put  to  death  in  the  flesh,  but  quickened 
by  the  Spirit ;  and  who  bast  passed  into  the  heav- 
ens,  and   now   sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  the 


PASSION   WEEK.  147 

Father;  we  look  up  to  thee  as  our  Great  High 
Priest,  to  intercede  for  us ;  that  our  prayers  may 
ascend  as  an  acceptable  incense ;  that  we  may,  in 
humble  trust  and  confidence,  approach  the  throne 
of  thy  glory;  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

And  we  beseech  thee,  0  heavenly  Father,  for 
thy  dear  Son's  sake,  to  hear  us ;  and  grant  that 
we  may  henceforth  walk  in  newness  of  life,  that 
we  may  always  bear  about  in  our  bodies  the  dying 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  may 
be  made  manifest  in  our  mortal  flesh.  May  we 
crucify  the  old  man,  and  utterly  abolish  the  whole 
body  of  sin.  May  we  find  all  our  corrupt  affec- 
tions, all  our  carnal  lusts,  all  our  unholy  and 
inordinate  desires,  mortified,  and.  destroyed,  and 
buried  in  the  grave  of  Jesus.  Grant  that  we  may 
be  fitted  and  prepared,  through  the  sanctifying 
influences  of  thy  good  Spirit,  to  welcome  the 
dawn  of  the  holy  day  when  our  blessed  Saviour 
burst  the  bonds  of  the  grave  and  triumphed  over 
death.  Grant  that  we  may  be  ready,  with  all  the 
faculties  of  our  bodies  and  our  souls,  to  unite  with 
thy  holy  catholic  Church  throughout  the  world, 
in  commemorating  the  glorious  resurrection  of  our 
ascended  Lord. 

O,  blessed  and  Eternal  Spirit,  by  whom  the 
whole  body  of  the  Church  is  governed  and  sancti- 
fied, enter  into  the  hearts  of  all  who  profess  and 
call  themselves  Christians.  Endue  the  stewards 
of  the  mysteries  of  thy  gospel  with  grace,  so  to 


148  PASSION  WEEK. 

preach  the  word,  and  so  to  minister  in  holy  things, 
that  every  soul  may  become  a  temple  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  be  made  a  vessel  unto  honor,  sanctified, 
and  meet  for  the  master's  use,  and  prepared  unto 
every  good  work. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  finally,  0  G-od,  when  our  probation  shall 
be  brought  to  a  close,  and  when  we  shall  be  called 
to  pass  through  the  grave  and  gate  of  death,  may 
we  depart  in  peace,  and  in  a  comfortable  hope  of  a 
joyful  resurrection,  through  his  merits,  who  died, 
and  was  buried,  and  rose  again  for  us,  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

To  thy  mercy  and  protection,  we  now  commit 
ourselves,  with  all  our  friends,  relatives,  and 
brethren.  Bless  us,  and  keep  us,  and  be  gracious 
unto  us  this  night  and  evermore.     Amen. 


tx  Iq  Criititj 


EASTER  SUNDAY-MORNING.      - 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almiglity  God  and  heavenly  Father,  we  bless 
thee  for  thy  great  goodness  in  permitting  us  again 
to  behold  the  return  of  this  sacred  day.  We 
praise  thee  for  the  glorious  resurrection  of  thy 
blessed  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  whom  we 
acknowledge  as  the  very  Paschal  Lamb  foreshad- 
owed in  the  scriptures,  and  offered  on  the  cross,  as 
a  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  world ;  who,  by  the 
shedding  of  his  own  precious  blood,  has  overcome 
death,  and  by  rising  from  the  grave,  is  made  the 
first  fruits  of  them  that  sleep,  and  hast  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life. 

We  confess  that  we  are  by  nature  dead  ii?  tres- 
passes and  sins,  and  can  not,  by  our  own  power, 
raise  ourselves  to  newness  of  life :  But,  blessed  be 
thy  name,  that  thou  hast,  of  thy  abundant  mercy, 
begotten  us  again  to  a  lively  hope,  through  the 
resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  an  inheritance  in- 
corruptible, undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away, 
reserved  in  heaven  for  all  those  who  are  kept  by 
thy  power  through  faith  unto  salvation. 

Give  us  grace,  heavenly  Father,  so  to  bewail  our 

sinfulness,  and  so  to  meditate  on  thy  wondrous 
13* 


160  EASTER   TO   TRINITY. 

love,  that  we  may  find  our  hearts  dead  indeed 
unto  sin,  and  alive  unto  thee,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

We  beseech  thee,  gracious  God,  to  grant  us  thy 
special  blessing  this  day.  May  the  Spirit  of  him 
that  raised  up  Jesus  from  the  dead,  dwell  in  us, 
and  direct  us  in  all  our  duties.  Kaise  our  thoughts 
from  the  things  of  this  world,  and  fix  them  upon 
those  things  which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth 
at  thy  right  hand. 

Since  Christ  our  Passover  has  been  sacrificed 
for  us,  therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast :  not  with  the 
old  leaven,  neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice  and 
wickedness ;  but  with  the  unleavened  bread  of 
sincerity  and  truth.  May  we  fervently  join  in  the 
prayers  and  praises  of  thy  people  in  the  courts  of 
thy  sanctuary.  And  give  us  grace  so  to  eat  the 
flesh  of  thy  dear  Son,  and  to  drink  his  blood,  that 
our  sinful  bodies  may  be  made  clean  by  his  body, 
and  our  souls  washed  through  his  most  precious 
blood,  and  that  we  may  evermore  dwell  in  him, 
and  he  in  us. 

Grant  also  to  all  those  who  shall  assemble  with 
us  in-thy  house  of  prayer,  that  they  may  be  plen- 
teously  endued  with  thy  heavenly  grace,  and  be 
prepared,  with  meek  heart,  and  due  reverence,  to 
hear  and  receive  thy  holy  word,  and  to  be  meet 
partakers  of  thy  holy  mysteries. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c,] 

Pour  down  thy  Spirit  from  on  high  on  the 
ministers  of  thy  blessed  gospel:  And,  while  they 


EASTER  TO   TRINITY.  151 

preacli  Jesus  and  the  resurrection,  let  thy  word, 
in  their  mouth,  be  as  life  from  the  dead ;  that  so 
they,  who  are  sleeping  in  their  sins,  may  awake, 
and  arise  from  the  dead,  that  Christ  may  give 
them  light. 

And  now,  may  the  God  of  peace,  who  brought 
again  from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood 
of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  us  perfect  in 
every  good  work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  us  that 
which  is  well  pleasing  in  his  sight,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom  be  glory  forever  and 
ever.     Amen, 


EASTER  SUNDAY-EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Most  merciful  God  and  Father,  receive,  we  be- 
seech thee,  our  hearty  thanks  for  thy  great  good- 
ness ;  and  especially  for  the  blessings  and  mercies 
bestowed  upon  us  this  day.  We  bless  thee  for  the 
preaching  of  thy  word,  and  for  the  administration 
of  thy  holy  sacraments.  We  bless  thee  for  thy 
gracious  condescension,  in  having  thy  habitation 
among  the  sons  of  men,  and  in  dwelling  in  the 
midst  of  the  assemblies  of  thy  people.  Let  thy 
blessing  rest,  we  beseech  thee,  upon  those  whom 
thou  hast  called  to  minister  in  holy  things.  Let 
thy  priests  be  clothed  with  righteousness ;  and  let 
thy  people  rejoice  in  thy  salvation.     Grant  that 


162  EASTER  TO   TRINITY. 

the  words  spoken  in  thy  name,  may  not  be  spoken 
in  vain.  Grant  us  grace,  so  to  hear  and  receive 
the  godly  counsel  and  instruction  of  those  who  are 
set  over  us  in  the  Lord,  that  in  all  our  words  and 
deeds  we  may  seek  thy  glory,  and  the  increase  of 
thy  kingdom. 

We  bless  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  the  revela- 
tion of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  resurrection 
and  the  life ;  and  for  the  gracious  declaration,  that 
whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  him,  shall  never 
die.  Grant  us  grace  to  humble  ourselves  before 
thee,  knowing  that  thou  art  able  to  exalt  us  in 
due  time.  May  we  follow  the  example  of  thy 
dearly  beloved  Son,  in  patience,  meekness,  and 
humility.  And  as  he  died  and  rose  again  for  us, 
so  may  we,  who  are  baptized  into  his  death,  die 
from  sin,  and  rise  again  unto  righteousness,  con- 
tinually mortifying  all  our  evil  and  corrupt  affec- 
tions, and  daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and  god- 
liness of  living. 

We  commend  to  thy  rich  mercies  in  Christ 
Jesus,  all  the  nations  that  are  sitting  in  darkness 
and  in  the  shadow  of  death.  May  the  Son  of 
Kighteousness  rise  upon  them,  and  the  light  of  the 
everlasting  gospel  shine  into  their  hearts,  to  give 
them  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
face  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Have  mercy  on  the  house  of  Israel,  and  teach 
them  by  thy  Spirit,  to  know,  that  thou  hast  made 
that  same  Jesus,  whom  their  forefathers  crucified, 
both  Lord  and  Christ. 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  163 

Awaken  the  impenitent  to  a  sense  of  their 
danger,  by  putting  them  in  remembrance,  that 
thou  hast  appointed  a  day  in  which  thou  wilt 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  by  him  whom 
thou  hast  ordained,  whereof  thou  hast  given  assur- 
ance unto  all  men,  in  that  thou  hast  raised  him 
from  the  dead. 

Comfort  those  who  are  in  affliction  for  the  loss 
of  friends,  departed  this  life  in  thy  faith  and  fear. 
Teach  them  to  sorrow  not  for  those  who  sleep  in 
thee,  even  as  others  who  have  no  hope ;  believing, 
that  if  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them 
also  which  sleep  in  Jesus,  will  God  bring  with  him. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  now,  0  God,  we  commit  ourselves,  and  all 
who  are  near  and  dear  to  us,  to  thy  holy  care  and 
keeping.  Let  us  go  to  our  rest  in  humble  trust 
and  confidence  in  thy  unfailing  mercy.  And  let 
us  remember,  as  we  close  our  eyes  in  sleep,  that 
the  hour  is  coming  in  'the  which  all  that  are  in 
the  graves  shall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  man, 
and  shall  come  forth,  they  that  have  done  good, 
to  the  resurrection  of  life,  and  they  that  have  done 
evil,  to  the  resurrection  of  condemnation.  And 
may  we  be  so  prepared  by  th*y  grace,  for  this 
event,  that  when  our  mortal  bodies  shall  be  com- 
mitted to  the  ground,  they  may  rest  in  sure  and 
certain  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection  to  eternal 
life;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom, 
with  thee,  O  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
honor  and  glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


154  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

O  Eternal  God,  thou  art  mighty  in  power,  and 
incomprehensible  in  majesty :  The  heaven  of 
heavens  can  not  contain  thee  ;  much  less  the  walls 
of  temples  made  with  hands :  And  yet  thou  hast 
been  graciously  pleased  to  promise  thy  special 
presence  in  every  place  where  two  or  three  of  thy 
faithful  servants  shall  assemble  together  in  thy 
name,  to  offer  up  their  praises  and  supplications 
unto  thee.  Vouchsafe,  0  Lord,  according  to  this 
promise,  to  be  present  with  us,  and  with  all  others, 
who  may  meet  this  day,  to  worship  and  glorify 
thee  in  thy  holy  sanctuary.  Kegard,  we  beseech 
thee,  the  services  of  thy  servants ;  and  grant  thy 
renewing  grace  to  all  those  who  may  draw  near 
to  thee,  to  give  thanks  for  the  benefits  which  they 
have  received  at  thy  hands,  to  set  forth  thy  most 
worthy  praise,  to  hear  thy  most  holy  word,  to  con- 
fess their  sins,  and  to  ask  such  things  as  are  re- 
quisite and  necessary,  as  well  for  the  body  as  the 
soul.  Endue  them  with  such  steadiness  of  faith, 
and  with  such  holy  affections,  that  their  devotions 
may  ascend  up  as'  acceptable  incense  to  thy  throne. 
And  be  pleased,  O  gracious  God,  to  grant  unto 
them  whatsoever,  in  thine  infinite  wisdom  thou 
shalt  deem  most  expedient  for  them. 

Almighty  God,  who,  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  hast 
appointed  divers  ministers  in  thy  Church,  merci- 
fully behold  thy  servants,  who  are  called  to  the 


EASTER    TO   TRINITY.  155 

several  ranks  of  this  holy  office ;  and  so  replen- 
ish them  with  the  truth  of  thy  doctrine,  and 
adorn  them  with  innocency  of  life,  that  both  by 
word  and  deed,  they  may  faithfully  serve  thee,  to 
the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  the  edification  of  thy 
people.  We  beseech  thee  especially,  to  send 
down  thy  blessing  upon  those  who  shall  stand  up 
this  day  in  thy  courts  to  serve  thee ;  and  so  en- 
due them  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may 
faithfully  preach  thy  word,  earnestly  reproving, 
beseeching,  and  rebuking,  with  all  patience  and 
perseverance;  and  may  also,  by  their  life  and 
conversation,  be  a  wholesome  example  to  thy  flock, 
in  all  Christian  virtue,  and  finally  fulfill  their 
course  with  joy,  and  at  the  later  day  receive  a 
crown  of  righteousness. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Give  us  true  repentance,  and  pardon  all  our  past 
sins,  negligences  and  infirmities.  Make  this  a 
day  of  grace  and  consolation  to  our  souls.  Guide 
and  direct  our  private  meditations.  .  Give  us  grace 
to  examine  our  hearts ;  to  consider  our  ways  ;  to 
search  thy  holy  word ;  to  reflect  on  the  wonders 
of  thy  love ;  and  above  all,  to  seek  thy  face  in 
secret,  and  to  prepare  ourselves  for  thy  kingdom. 
We  ask  for  all  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  grace,  &o. 


166  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 


SUNDAY  EYENING. 


O  Lord  our  God,  we  are  not  worthy  to  present 
ourselves  before  thee.  We  are  compassed  with 
infirmity,  and  laden  with  iniquity.  Give  us  grace, 
we  beseech  thee,  to  humble  ourselves;  to  pray 
and  seek  thy  face ;  and  to  turn  from  our  wicked 
ways ;  that  thou  mayest,  according  to  thy  graci- 
ous promise,  bow  down  thine  ear  and  hear  our 
supplications,  and  forgive  us  all  our  sins.  Pre- 
pare our  hearts  especially  for  this  our  evening 
sacrifice  of  prayer  and  thanksgiving ;  and  merci- 
fully grant  our  petitions,  not  for  our  own  deserv- 
ings,  but  for  the  worthiness  of  thy  blessed  Son, 
our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Accept  our  hearty  thanks,  0  God,  for  the  gospel 
privileges  which  we  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy 
this  day ;  and  for  every  mercy,  both  temporal  and 
spiritual,  which  thou  hast  been  graciously  pleased 
to  bestow  upon  us.  Not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy 
name,  be  all  the  blessing  and  praise.  To  thee  be 
ascribed  all  the  honor  and  glory  of  every  good 
and  acceptable  word  which  we  have  spoken,  of 
every  righteous  deed  which  we  have  performed, 
and  of  every  holy  thought  which  we  have  con- 
ceived. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  intercede  with  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for 
all  the  children  of  men.  Look  with  mercy  upon 
thy  holy  Church  universal,  which  thou  hast  pur- 
chased to  thyself  with  the  precious  blood  of  thy 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  157 

dear  Son.  And  to  those  whom  thou  hast  called 
to  minister  in  any  holy  office,  give  thy  grace  and 
heavenly  benediction ;  that  both  by  their  life  and 
doctrine,  they  may  set  forth  thy  glory,  and  pro- 
mote the  salvation  of  their  fellow-men. 

Have  pity  upon  those  who  have  disregarded 
or  profaned  this  sacred  day,  by  absenting  them- 
selves from  thy  house  of  prayer,  or  by  closing 
their  ears,  or  hardening  their  hearts,  against  the» 
teachings  of  thy  holy  word.  Give  them  repent- 
ance and  a  better  mind.  May  they  no  longer 
grieve  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  by  their  negH- 
gence  and  unbelief.  May  they  seek  thee  while 
thou  mayest  be  found,  and  call  upon  thee  while 
thou  art  near.  May  the  wicked  forsake  his  way, 
and  the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts,  and  return 
unto  thee,  that  thou  mayest  have  mercy  upon 
him,  and  abundantly  pardon  him. 

Be  thou  gracious  and  merciful,  heavenly  Father, 
to  all  those  who,  through  sickness,  or  infirmity,  or 
other  providential  necessity,  have  been  deprived 
of  the  comforts  of  thy  public  worship,  and  who 
have  communed  with  thee  in  their  chamber  and 
in  their  closet,  and  sought  thee  in  secret.  Show 
them  the  light  of  thy  countenance;  and  cause 
them  to  know  experimentally,  that  he  who  seeth 
in  secret,  will  reward  them  openly.  Grant  this, 
.we  beseech  thee,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Unto  God's  gracious  care  and  protection,  we 
14 


158  EASTER   TO   TRINITY. 

now  commit  ourselves,  and  all  our  relatives, 
friends,  and  brethren,  for  this  night.  The  Lord 
bless  us  and  keep  us.  The  Lord  make  his  face  to 
shine  upon  us,  and  be  merciful  unto  us.  The 
Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  us,  and  give  us 
peace,  both  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


MONDAY   MORNING, 


Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  hast 
given  thine  only  Son  Jesus  Christ  to  die  for  our 
sins,  and  to  rise  again  for  our  justification ;  fill  our 
hearts,  we  beseech  thee,  with  gratitude  and  love, 
and  our  lips  with  praises.  Let  us  magnify  thy 
name  for  all  thy  goodness,  and  remember  the 
wonders  that  thou  hast  done  to  the  children  of 
men.  Let  us  offer  unto  thee  the-  sacrifice  of 
thanksgiving,  and  speak  of  all  thy  works  with 
gladness. 

Cleanse  our  hearts,  0  God,  from  all  evil  and 
wickedness,  that  we  may  offer  unto  thee  a  pure 
and  acceptable  service.  Give  us  that  peace  which 
thy  blessed  Son  came  into  the  world  to  proclaim. 
Pour  into  our  hearts  that  spirit  of  adoption,  which 
may  bear  witness  with  our  spirit,  that  we  are 
children  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ,  in 
the  glories  of  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Enable  us  by  thy  grace  to  overcome  all  the 


EASTER   TO   TRINITY.  159 

temptations  of  the  world,  to  renounce  its  pomps 
and  vanities,  to  withstand  its  allurements,  and  to 
disregard  its  frowns.  And  grant  that  we,  being 
regenerate,  and  made  thj  children  by  adoption 
and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit.  Grant  that  the  instructive  lessons  of  the 
past  day,  may  not  pass  away  in  forgetfulness,  like 
the  morning  cloud  or  the  early  dew :  But  revive 
and  strengthen  our  holy  thoughts  and  desires,  and 
subdue  the  passions  and  propensities  of  our  evil 
hearts.  Preserve  us  from  pride  and  envy ;  from 
hatred  and  malice ;  from  murmurings  and  dispu- 
tings;  from  covetousness  and  dishonesty;  from 
selfishness  and  idleness ;  from  unchristian  tempers 
and  impure  desires;  and  from  all  hurtful  lusts 
that  war  against  the  soul.  Pardon  and  correct 
whatever  is  sinful  in  us ;  strengthen  what  is 
weak ;  confirm  what  is  wavering  ;  supply  what  is 
wanting  ;  and  make  us  thoroughly  furnished  unto 
every  good  word  and  work. 

But  without  thee  we  can  do  nothing.  Be  with 
us,  therefore,  this  day,  and  in  all  the  future  scenes 
of  life.  Assist  us,  in  all  our  doings,  with  thy 
most  gracious  favor,  and  further  us  with  thy  con- 
tinual help;  make  us  steadfast  and  unmovable, 
always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  know- 
ing that  our  labor  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the 
Lord.  And  when  the  days  of  our  pilgrimage 
shall  come  to  an  end,  and  when  our  mortal  bodies 
shall  put  on  immortality,  may  we  realize  the  saying 
that  is  written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory ! 


160  EASTER  TO   TRINITY. 

And  for  this,  and  every  other  mercy,  may  we 
ascribe  all  the  glory  and  honor  to  God,  who  giveth 
us  the  victory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


MONDAY  EVENING 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Most  merciful  God  and  heavenly  Father,  we 
thank  thee  for  thy  protection  and  preservation 
through  another  day,  and  for  the  great  mercies, 
and  benefits  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us. 
"We  acknowledge  thy  over-ruling  providence.  By 
thy  word  were  the  heavens  made,  and  all  the  host 
of  them  by  the  breath  of  thy  mouth.  Thou  hast 
also  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth,  and  daily 
providest  for  the  wants  of  all  thy  creatures.  Thou 
openest  thy  hand,  and  fillest  all  things  living  with 
plenteousness ;  and  thou  upholdest  the  whole 
world,  and  all  that  therein  is,  by  thy  mighty 
power.  Thou  coverest  the  heavens  with  clouds, 
and  preparest  rain  for  the  earth.  Thou  makest 
the  grass  to  grow  upon  the  mountains,  and  givest 
food  to  the  beasts  of  the  field,  and  the  young 
ravens  that  cry  unto  thee.  Without  thee,  not 
even  a  sparrow  falleth  on  the  ground,  and  the 
very  hairs  of  our  head  are  all  numbered. 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  161 

"We  confess,  merciful  God,  that  we  have  for- 
feited, by  our  manifold  transgressions,  every  claim 
to  thy  fatherly  protection  in  the  present  life ;  and 
have  rendered  ourselves  unworthy  of  the  blessings 
of  the  life  to  come.  But,  guilty  and  unworthy  as 
we  are,  we  would  still  look  up  to  thee  in  the 
name  of  that  blessed  Mediator,  whom  thou  hast 
given  to  be  unto  us  both  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  and 
also  an  example  of  godly  life;  beseeching  thee 
through  his  all-prevailing  merits,  to  permit  us  to 
come  into  thy  presence,  and  to  ask  for  everything 
that  is  necessary,  as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul. 

Hearken,  0  Lord  our  God,  unto  our  prayers. 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servants.    Have 

mercy  upon  us,  according  to  thy  loving  kindness; 

according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies, 

blot  out  our  transgressions.     Wash  us  thoroughly 

from  our  iniquity,  and  cleanse  us  from  all  our  sin. 

Pardon  our  want  of  love  to  thee,  and  our  many 

offences  against  our  fellow-men.     Pour  into  our 

hearts  that  most  excellent  gift  of  charity,  the  very 

bond  of  peace,  and  of  all  virtues ;  without  which 

whosoever  liveth   is   counted   dead  before  thee. 

Endiie  us  with  that  spirit  which  thinketh  no  evil, 

which  beareth   all   things,  believeth  all   things, 

hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things.     Give  us 

grace  to  come  before  thee  with  clean  hands  and  a 

pure  heart,  that  our  prayers  may  ascend  to  thy 

throne  as  an  acceptable  offering,  and  be  received 

and  answered,  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son,  Jesus 

Christ  our  Lord. 

14* 


162  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  now,  O  Lord,  before  we  lie  down  and  take 
our  rest,  suffer  us  to  commend,  not  only  ourselves, 
but  all  others,  to  thy  covenanted  mercies  in  Christ 
Jesus.  Shed  thy  blessings  abundantly  upon  all 
our  friends  and  relatives.  Take  us  and  them 
under  thy  fatherly  protection;  and  bless  and 
keep  us,  this  night  and  forevermore,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour,  to 
whom,  with  thee,  0  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
be  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 


0  Almighty  God,  whose  mercies  are  renewed 
to  us  day  by  day,  early  will  we  come  before  thee ; 
every  morning  will  we  give  thanks  to  thee,  and 
acknowledge  thy  goodness  and  loving  kindness. 
But  how  shall  we  approach  thy  mercy  seat ;  or 
what  shall  we  render  unto  thee  for  all  the  benefits 
which  thou  hast  done  unto  us  ?  To  love  and 
serve  thee,  with  all  the  heart,  and  soul,  and  mind, 
and  strength,  is  our  reasonable  service  and  bounden 
duty.  But  our  best  services,  through  the  weakness 
of  our  mortal  nature,  are  full  of  imperfection. 
When  we  have  done  all,  we  are  unprofitable  ser- 
vants. We  look  for  acceptance,  only  through  the 
merits  of  that  blessed  Saviour,  in  whose  all-pre- 
vailing name  alone  we  are  permitted  to  approach 


EASTER   TO   TRINITY.  163 

thee,  even  with  the  voice  of  praise  and  thanks- 
giving. 

Let  us  meditate,  with  humble  gratitude,  on  thy 
condescension  and  grace,  in  regarding  our  unwor- 
thy services,  and  in  continuing  to  us  thy  daily 
mercies.  Teach  us  to  know  and  feel  our  exceeding 
sinfulness  in  thy  sight,  that  we  may  be  filled  with 
a  due  sense  of  thy  forbearance  and  compassion. 
We  acknowledge  that  we  have  greatly  sinned, 
and  done  amiss,  and  dealt  wickedly.  But,  0 
Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  absolve  us  from  our  of- 
fences ;  that,  through  thy  bountiful  goodness,  we 
may  be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  those  sins 
which,  by  our  frailty,  we  have  committed.  Grant 
that  we  may  truly  repent  of  them  before  thee,  that 
so  iniquity  may  not  be  our  ruin. 

Our  eyes  are  now  directed  unto  thee,  from  whom 
Cometh  all  our  help.  Enable  tts  to  enter  upon 
the  various  duties  of  this  day,  in  humble  trust  and 
confidence  in  thy  over-ruling  protection  and  thy 
renewing  grace.  Deliver  us  from  carelessness, 
negligence,  and  spiritual  sloth.  Make  us  active 
in  the  discharge  of  our  respective  duties.  Help 
us  to  press  forward  in  the  way  of  life,  and  so  to 
run,  that  we  may  obtain  the  prize  of  our  high 
calling.  Give  us  grace  to  abound  in  those  good 
works,  in  which  thou  hast  commanded  us  to  walk; 
and  by  patient  continuance  in  well-doing,  to  seek 
for  glory,  and  honor,  and  immortality;  that  so, 
by  thy  mercy,  we  mav,  in  the  end,  obtain  eternal 
life. 


164  EASTEK  TO   TRINITY. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &;c.] 

We  beseech  thee,  gracious  God,  to  bless  thy 
whole  Church,  and  to  order  all  things  for  its  in- 
crease and  prosperity.  Sanctify  and  cleanse  it 
from  all  impurity  and  error,  that  it  may  be  holy 
and  without  blemish,  and  become  a  name  and 
praise  among  all  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

Pour  down  thy  blessing  upon  the  religious, 
civil,  and  literary  institutions  of  our  country. 
Extend  to  them  thy  fostering  aid,  and  make  them 
instrumental  in  promoting  thy  glory,  and  the  good 
of  mankind.  And  grant  that  our  lot  may  be  cast 
among  a  people  fearing  thee,  and  loving  righteous- 
ness, and  that  all  who  profess  thy  holy  name,  may 
truly  and  faithfully  serve  thee,  in  all  the  various 
duties  and  relations  of  life. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


TUESDAY  EVENING. 


Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  dispose  our 
hearts,  we  beseech  thee,  to  close  this  day  with 
serious  reflection  and  fervent  prayer.  Keceive 
with  favor  the  supplications  of  thy  servants ;  and 
look  down  upon  us  in  thy  wonted  pity  and  com- 
passion ;  not  in  thine  anger  lest  thou  bring  us  to 
nothing. 


EASTER   TO   TRINITY.  165 

We  thank  thee  for  the  daily  bounties  and  bless- 
ings which  thou  givest  us  to  enjoy.  Enable  us 
to  see  thy  hand,  and  to  acknowledge  thy  provi- 
dence, in  all  our  concerns';  and,  with  true  devotion 
of  heart,  to  trace  up  every  stream  of  earthly  com- 
fort to  the  fountain  of  eternal  love. 

We  bless  thee  especially,  heavenly  Father,  for 
the  word  of  revelation;  for  the  light  of  the  ever- 
lasting gospel,  and  for  the  redemption  of  the 
world  by  the  death  and  passion  of  our  Saviour 
Christ,  both  God  and  man ;  who  did  humble  him- 
self, even  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  for  us  miserable 
sinners;  who  lay  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of 
death,  that  he  might  make  us  the  children  of  God, 
and  exalt  us  unto  everlasting  life.  May  we  always 
remember  the  exceeding  great  love  of  our  Master 
and  only  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  thus  dying  for  us, 
and  the  innumerable  benefits  which,  by  his  pre- 
cious blood-shedding,  he  hath  obtained  for  us. 
And  may  we  give  unto  thee,  as  we  are  most 
bounden,  continual  thanks ;  submitting  ourselves 
wholly  to  thy  holy  will  and  pleasure,  and  study- 
ing to  serve  thee,  in  true  holiness  and  righteous- 
ness, all  the  days  of  our  life. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

To  the  care  and  protection  of  thy  good  provi- 
dence, we  commend  ourselves,  and  all  who  are 
near  and  dear  to  us,  this  night.  Be  thou  our 
refuge,  and  fortress,  and  house  of  defence,  in 
whom  we  may  trust.  May  we  abide  safely  under 
thy  almighty  shadow.     May  thy  truth  and  faith 


166  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

fulness  be  our  shield  and  buckler.  May  no  evil 
befall  us,  nor  any  plague  come  nigh  our  dwelling. 
Be  thou  our  continual  ruler  and  guide :  and  teach 
us  so  to  pass  through  things  temporal,  that  we 
finally  lose  not  the  things  eternal. 

We  humbly  beseech  thee,  0  God,  for  all  sorts 
and  conditions  of  men;  that  thou  wouldest  be 
pleased  to  make  thy  ways  known  unto  them,  thy 
saving  health  unto  all  nations.  We  pray  espe- 
cially for  thy  holy  Church  universal ;  that  it  may 
be  so  guided  and  governed  by  thy  good  Spirit, 
that  all  who  profess  and  call  themselves  Christians, 
may  be  led  into  the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the 
faith  in  unity  of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and 
in  righteousness  of  life.  Finally,  we  commend  to 
thy  fatherly  goodness  all  those  who  are  any  ways 
afflicted,  or  distressed,  in  mind,  body,  or  estate; 
that  it  may  please  thee  to  comfort  and  relieve 
them,  according  to  their  several  necessities ;  giving 
them  patience  under  their  sufferings,  and  a  happy 
issue  out  of  all  their  afflictions.  All  which  we 
ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake ;  in  whose  all-prevailing 
words  we  sum  up  these  our  petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


WEDNESDAY   MORNING. 
« 
Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  unto  us  the 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  167 

light  of  thy  blessed  gospel  to  guide  iis,  and  the 
influences  of  thy  holy  Spirit  to  quicken  us,  that 
we  may  turn  from  the  error  of  our  ways,  and  walk 
in  the  paths  of  truth  and  righteousness ;  we  be- 
seech thee  to  grant,  that  we,  and  all  others  who 
are  admitted  into  the  fellowship  of  Christ's  reli- 
gion, may  avoid  those  things  that  are  contrary  to 
our  profession,  and  follow  all  such  things  as  are 
agreeable  to  the  same,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

And  grant,  0  merciful  Father,  for  his  sake  that 
we  may  hereafter  live  a  godly,  righteous,  and  sober 
life.  Bless  us  in  all  our  ways,  and  whatever  we 
do,  may  we  do  it  heartily  as  unto  thee,  with  a 
single  eye  to  thy  glory,  and  in  humble  dependence 
on  thy  fatherly  protection.  Enlighten  our  under- 
standings, control  our  wills,  and  sanctify  our 
affections.  May  neither  the  pleasures,  nor  the 
cares,  nor  the  honors  of  this  life,  turn  away  our 
thoughts  from  the  life  which  is  to  come.  Enable 
us  faithfully  to  discharge  our  several  duties  to 
thee,  and  to  our  fellow-men ;  that  we  may  be  use- 
ful in  our  generation  among  men,  and  steadfast  in 
our  covenant  with  thee.  Having  had  much  for- 
given of  thee,  may  we  love  thee  much,  and  strive 
to  please  thee  in  all  our  ways.  And  grant  that 
nothing  may  ever  separate  between  us  and  thee, 
or  cause  us  to  grow  weary  of  thy  service.  But 
may  we  keep  thy  covenant  forever,  and  daily 
think  upon  thy  commandments  to  do  them,  find- 
ing thy  yoke  easy,  and  thy  burden  light ;  yea. 


168  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

accounting  thy  service  perfect  freedom,  and  tlie 
very  joy  of  our  heart. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  «&c.] 

Accept  our  thanksgivings,  heavenly  Father,  for 
every  mercy  which  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  our 
bodies  and  our  souls.  Day  by  day  we  give  thanks 
unto  thee,  and  praise  thy  name.  And  we  beseech 
thee  to  embrace,  not  only  ourselves,  but  all  others 
in  the  arms  of  thy  mercy.  Pity  and  convert  the 
wicked.  May  they  no  longer  make  a  mock  at 
sin;  but  learn  to  tremble  at  that  wrath  which 
thou  hast  revealed  against  all  ungodliness  and 
unrighteousness.  Give  them  grace  to  stand  in 
awe  of  thy  judgments,  and  to  sin  no  more.  Bless 
thy  faithful  people  with  knowledge  and  good  un- 
derstanding, in  the  ways  of  truth  and  virtue. 
And  since  many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  right- 
eous, Lord,  remember  them  in  all  their  troubles. 
Grant  that  every  affliction,  though  not  for  the 
present  joyous,  but  grievous,  may  yield  the  peace- 
able fruits  of  righteousness  to  such  as  are  exer- 
cised thereby. 

Assist  us  mercifully,  0  Lord,  in  these  our  sup- 
plications and  prayers ;  and  dispose  the  way  of 
thy  servants  towards  the  attainment  of  everlasting 
salvation ;  that,  among  all  the  changes  and  trials 
of  this  mortal  life,  we  may  ever  be  defended  by 
thy  most  gracious  and  ready  help  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord ;  to  whom,  with  thee,  O  Father, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  169 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  tlie  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  who  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but 
rather  that  he  may  turn  from  his  wickedness  and 
live ;  we  beseech  thee  to  grant  us  true  repentance^ 
and  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  those  things  may  please 
thee  which  we  do  at  this  present,  and  that  the  rest 
of  our  life  hereafter  may  be  pure  and  holy;  so 
that  at  the  last  we  may  come  to  thy  eternal  joy. 
For  all  that  is  past,  we  ask  thy  pardon  and  for- 
giveness. We  are  unable,  of  ourselves,,  to  make 
satisfaction  for  the  least  of  our  transgressions. 
But  we  flee  unto  thy  cross,  0  Lamb  of  God,  who 
hast  made  there,  by  the  one  oblation  of  thyself, 
once  offered,  a  full,  perfect,  and  sufficient  sacrifice, 
oblation,  and  satisfaction,  for  the  sins  9f  the  whole 
world.  And  we  beseech  thee,  by  thine  agony  and 
bloody  sweat ;  by  thy  cross  and  passion ;  by  thy 
precious  death  and  burial ;  by  thy  glorious  resur- 
rection and  ascension;  and  by  the  coming  of  the 
Holy  Ghost;  to  deliver  us  from  all  our  sins,  and 
have  mercy  upon  us. 

Accept  our  thanks,  heavenly  Father,  for  the 
various  and  great  blessings  which  we  have  already 
received  at  thy  hands.  We  praise  thee  for  the 
comforts  and  protection  of  the  past  day.  We 
bless  thee  for  providing  for  us  a  place  of  rest  by 
night.  Confiding  in  thy  care,  we  commit  our- 
selves to  thy  holy  keeping.  And  we  beseech 
thee,  most  mighty  God,  who  art  the  protector  of 
15 


k 


170  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

all  that  trust  in  thee,  without  whom  nothing  is 
strong,  nothing  is  holy,  to  watch  over  us,  and 
preserve  us  through  the  hours  of  darkness,  and, 
if  it  please  thee,  to  bring  us  in  safety  to  the  begin- 
ning of  another  day. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Extend  to  our  fellow-creatures,  0  God,  the 
mercies  which  we  have  implored  for  ourselves. 
Let  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  be  preached 
to  all  nations ;  and  grant  that  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  earth  may  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Bless  the  nation  in  which  we  live.  Endue  our 
civil  rulers  with  the  graces  of  thy  Hoh?"  Spirit; 
enrich  them  with  thy  heavenly  gifts ;  enable  them 
to  rule  in  thy  fear ;  guide  them  in  their  counsels ; 
and  bring  them  at  last  to  thy  everlasting  kingdom. 
Be  gracious  unto  thy  Church ;  and  grant  to  her 
Bishops  and  other  clergy,  and  to  all  the  people 
committed  to  their  charge,  the  healthful  spirit  of 
thy  grace ;  and,  that  they  may  truly  please  thee, 
pour  upon  them  the  continual  dew  of  thy  blessing. 

We  commend  to  thy  special  care  and  guidance, 
all  parents  and  heads  of  families.  Give  them 
grace  to  walk  in  thy  ways ;  to  set  a  bright  exam- 
ple of  Christian  fidelity  before  their  households; 
and  to  bring  up  their  childrep  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord. 

We  pray  for  our  dear  friends  and  relatives. 
Let  thy  fatherly  hand  be  ever  over  them ;  let  thy 
Holy  Spirit  be  ever  with  them ;  and  so  lead  them 


EASTER   TO   TRUSTITY.  171 

in  the  knowledge  and  obedience  of  thy  word,  that, 
in  the  end,  they  may  obtain  everlasting  salvation, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in  whose  perfect 
form  of  words  we  conclude  our  petitions: — 
Our  Father,  &c. 


THURSDAY  MORNING 


0  Almighty  God,  who  alone  canst  order  the 
unruly  wills  and  affections  of  sinful  men,  grant  us 
grace  to  come  before  thee  at  this  time,  under  a 
deep  sense  of  our  unworthiness,  and  in  humble 
reliance  on  thy  goodness  and  compassion.  Grant 
that  our  hearts  may  be  drawn  to  thy  testimonies ; 
that  we  may  love  the  Jliing  which  thou  command- 
est,  and  follow  all  thy  precepts  with  a  willing  and 
obedient  mind.  Let  us  set  our  affections  on  things 
above,  and  not  on  things  on  the  earth.  May  we 
always  desire  that  which  thou  dost  promise ;  that 
so,  our  thoughts  may  be  turned  away  from  the 
vain  and  unstable  enjoyments  of  this  world,  and 
that,  amid  all  the  changes  and  trials  of  life,  our 
hearts  may  be  fixed,  where  true  joys  alone  can  be 
found,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of 
God. 

Enable  us,  0  God,  from  day  to  day,  to  call  to 
remembrance  the  solemn  vows  and  promises  of 
our  baptism.  May  we  look  upon  the  pomps  and 
vanities  of  the  world,  as  hurtful  and  dangerous 


172  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

snares  to  our  feet.  May  we  subdue  and  mortify 
all  those  sinful  desires  and  passions  which  war 
against  the  soul.  May  we  remain  steadfast  in  the 
faith  which  we  have  professed  before  thee ;  and 
may  we  obediently  keep  thy  holy  will  and  com- 
mandments, and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of 
our  life.  And  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  grant, 
that  we,  being  dead  unto  sin,  and  living  unto 
righteousness,  and  being  buried  with  Christ  in  his 
death,  may  crucify  the  old  man,  and  utterly  abol- 
ish the  whole  body  of  sin ;  and  as  we  are  made 
partakers  of  the  death  of  thy  Son,  we  may  also  be 
partakers  of  his  resurrection ;  so  that  finally,  with 
the  residue  of  thy  holy  Church,  we  may  be  inher- 
itors of  thine  everlasting  kingdom,  through  Christ 
our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.l 

We  bless  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  thy  good- 
ness and  mercy,  in  preserving  us  through  the 
perils  and  dangers  of  another  night.  As  thou 
hast  kept  us  from  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness,  so  may  it  please  thee  to  save  us  from 
the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day,  and  from  the  destruc- 
tion that  wasteth  at  noon.  Continue  to  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  all  our  public  and  private  blessings  ; 
and  especially  the  means  of  grace,  and  the  hope 
of  glory  set  before  us  in  thy  gospel. 

Make  us  humble  and  grateful  in  the  days  of  our 
prosperity,  and  patient  and  submissive  in  the  time 
of  adversity.  In  whatsoever  state  thou  shalt  see 
fit  to  place  us,  give  us  grace  therewith  to  be  con- 


EASTER  TO   TRINITY.  17S 

tent.  Bestow  upon  us  such  things  as  thou  know- 
est  to  be  most  needful  and  profitable  for  us.  Give 
us  grace  to  seek  first  thy  kingdom  and  righteous- 
ness, and  to  trust  to  thy  unfailing  promise,  that 
all  other  things  shall  be  added  unto  us.  And 
above  all,  feed  us  with  the  bread  of  life,  which 
Cometh  down  from  heaven,  and  which  thou  givest 
for  the  life  of  the  world.  Lord,  evermore  give  us 
this  bread,  and  nourish  us  up  with  it,  even  unto 
life  eternal. 

We  ask  these  blessings,  not  for  ourselves  only, 
but  for  all  others  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us,  for 
the  sake,  and  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  in  whose  all-prevailing  words  we  sum 
up  these  our  petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  eternal  God,  thou  hast  com- 
manded us  to  worship  thee,  the  Lord  our  God, 
and  thee  only  to  serve ;  and  we  acknowledge  that 
this  is'  our  reasonable  service  and  our  bounden 
duty.  But  we  confess,  with  shame  and  sorrow, 
that  we  have  not  glorified  thee  as  we  ought,  nor 
rendered  unto  thee  the  honor  due  unto  thy  name. 
And  we  humble  ourselves  before  thee  this  night, 

beseeching  thee  to  look  down  upon  us  in  compas- 
16* 


174  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

sioD,  and  to  answer  us,  not  according  to  our  de- 
servings,  but  according  to  thy  great  mercies  in 
Christ  Jesus. 

Give  us  grace  to  believe  in  thee,  to  fear  thee,  to 
love  thee,  with  all  our  heart,  and  mind,  and  soul, 
and  strength ;  to  worship  thee,  to  give  thanks  to 
thee,  to  put  our  whole  trust  in  thee,  to  call  upon 
thee,  to  honor  thj  holy  name  and  word,  and  to 
serve  thee  truly  all  the  days  of  our  life. 

And  while  we  approach  thee  with  the  voice  of 
prayer  and  supplication,  accept,  we  beseech  thee, 
our  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  goodness  towards  us. 
We  acknowledge  the  numberless  mercies  bestowed 
upon  us  from  day  to  day ;  and  we  pray  thee  to 
add  to  all  thy  other  blessings  such  a  grateful 
sense  of  thy  merciful  kindness,  as  shall  lead  us  to 
love  thee  more,  and  to  serve  thee  better.  Teach 
us  to  live  in  humble  dependence  on  thy  promises, 
in  cheerful  obedience  to  thy  laws,  and  in  a  com- 
fortable hope  of  a  blessed  immortality.  Grant 
that,  being  received  for  thine  own  children  by 
adoption,  and  being  incorporated  into  thy  holy 
Church,  we  may  receive  the  fullness  of  thy  grace, 
and  ever  remain  in  the  number  of  thy  faithful 
children;  and  finally,  with  the  residue  of  thy 
people,  may  be  made  partakers  of  thy  heavenly 
kingdom. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  implore  thy  mercy  and  grace,  heavenly 
Father,  in  behalf  of  all  classes  and  descriptions  of 
men.    Look  with  pity  on  the  nations  still  lying 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  176 

in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death,  who  are 
bowing  down  to  idols  of  wood  or  stone,  which 
their  own  hands  have  made.  Turn  them  from 
the  error  of  their  ways,  and  enlighten  their  minds 
with  the  beams  of  the  everlasting  gospel.  Give  to 
thy  blessed  Son,  the  heathen  for  his  inheritance, 
and  the  utmost  bounds  of  the  creation  for  his 
possession. 

To  those  who  dwell  in  Christian  lands,  and  yet 
deny  the  Lord  that  bought  them ;  to  those  who 
are  resting  in  dangerous  heresy  or  schism,  or 
willingly  neglecting  the  great  salvation  wrought 
out  for  them  through  the  sacrifice  of  the  cross, 
extend  thy  forbearance  and  compassion.  Quicken 
them  to  a  sense  of  their  danger,  and  teach  them  to 
flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  while  yet  a  day  of 
grace  remains,  and  thou  waitest  to  be  merciful 
unto  them. 

Have  mercy  on  the  afflicted,  in  mind,  body,  or 
estate.  Go  not  from  them,  when  trouble  is  at 
hand  and  there  is  none  to  help  them.  Be  thou 
their  continual  refuge,  and  in  the  multitude  of  the 
sorrows  which  they  have  in  their  hearts,  let  thy 
comforts  refresh  their  souls. 

To  thy  gracious  care  and  protection  we  com- 
mend ourselves,  and  all  our  friends,  relatives,  and 
brethren,  this  night,  beseeching  thee  to  keep  and 
preserve  us,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  to  whom,  with 
the  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


176  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

FRIDAY  MORNING. 

0  Lord  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  from  whom 
Cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  grant  unto 
us,  thy  unworthy  servants,  the  aid  and  guidance 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  come  and  bow 
down  before  thee  this  morning,  with  humble 
reverence  and  godly  fear ;  praising  thee  for  all 
thy  goodness,  and  imploring  thee  still  to  spare  us, 
and  be  merciful  unto  us. 

We  bless  thee  for  preserving  us  through  the 
various  and  changing  scenes  of  our  past  life ;  for 
permitting  us  again  to  behold  the  light  of  day, 
and  for  bringing  us  together  in  peace  and  safety, 
the  living  monuments  of  thy  pardoning  mercy 
and  providential  care.  But,  above  all,  we  bless 
thee  for  thy  still  more  juarvelous  love,  in  sending 
thy  only  Son  into  the  world,  to  redeem  us  from^ 
sin  and  everlasting  death.  With  thine  own  arm 
thou  hast  wrought  out  salvation  for  us,  0  God, 
our  Eedeemer.  Our  souls  bless  thee,  and  all  that 
is  within  us  doth  bless  thy  holy  name.  Thy  praise 
shall  be  ever  in  our  mouths.  We  will  magnify 
thee  with  the  voice  of  thanksgiving,  and  exalt  thy 
name  together. 

But  thou  requirest  us  to  glorify  thee,  not  only 
with  our  lips,  but  in  the  obedience  of  a  holy  life. 
Give  us  grace  thus  to  render  unto  thee  the  hom- 
.£(ge  which  is  most  justly  due.  Preserve  us  from 
unchristian  tempers  and  pursuits,  and  restrain 
eveij  unholy  desire  and  appetite,  that  we  may  go 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  177 

fortTi  this  day  to  the  discharge  of  our  several 
duties,  with  thy  love  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by 
the  Holy  •  Ghost.  May  we  walk  in  thy  fear.  May 
we  honor  thee,  by  uprightness  and  fidelity  in  all 
our  ways,  and  everrnore  serve  thee  in  pureness  of 
living  and  truth,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  intercede  with  thee,  heavenly  Father,  in 
behalf  of  those  for  whom  it  is  our  desire  and  our 
duty  to  pray.  Look  with  pity  and  compassion 
upon  a  world  lying  in  wickedness,  and  especially 
upon  this  nation.  Give  to  our  civil  rulers  a  due 
sense  of  their  responsibility  to  thee.  Make  them 
faithful  to  the  trust  committed  to  them  by  thy 
providence,  and  enable  them  so  to  live,  that, 
finally,  they  may  attain  everlasting  joy  and  feli- 
city. And  to  all  thy  people  give  thy  heavenly 
grace ;  that  they  may  forsake  their  sins,  and  sub- 
due their  passions,  and  restrain  the  violence  of 
party  strife  and  animosity ;  and  so  dwell  together 
in  this  life,  that  in  the  world  to  come  they  may 
have  life  everlasting. 

Keep  thy  household,  the  Church,  in  continual 
godliness ;  that  through  thy  gracious  protection, 
it  may  be  free  from  trouble  and  adversity,  and 
that  all  its  members  may  be  devoutly  given  to 
serve  thee  in  good  works,  and  to  look  for  glory 
and  immortality,  through  the  merits  and  interces- 
sion of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


178  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

FRIDAY   EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  whose  ears  are  ever  open  to  the 
petitions  of  thy  humble  servants,  and  who  hast 
graciously  promised,  that  whatsoever  we  ask  of 
thee  in  prayer,  believing,  we  shall  receive,  merci- 
fully with  thy  favor  look  upon  us  at  this  time, 
and  enable  us  to  draw  near  to  thee  in  humble 
reverence  and  godly  fear.  We  lament  the  cold- 
ness of  our  hearts ;  we  confess  and  bewail  our 
daily  iniquities.  But  we  beseech  thee,  gracious 
Grod,  unworthy  as  we  are  to  approach  thee,  and 
bowed  down  as  we  are  with  infirmity,  to  accept 
bur  imperfect  services  through  the  intercession  of 
thy  dear  Son.  Grant  that  our  supplications  and 
thanksgivings  may  be  sprinkled  with  his  m-ost 
precious  blood,  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin  ;  and 
so  may  come  up  as  a  memorial  before  thee,  accept- 
able, and  well  pleasing  in  thy  sight.  And  pour 
down  upon  us  a  more  abundant  measure  of  grace 
and  supplication,  that  we  may  hereafter  approach 
thee  in  fervent  prayer,  and  worship  thee  in  spirit 
and  in  truth. 

Hear  our  prayers,  0  God,  for  those  whom  it  is 
our  duty  and  our  desire  to  remember  at  the  throne 
of  grace ;  and  especially  for  all  estates  of  men 
in  thy  holy  Church.  Endue  with  a  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  faithfulness,  those  who  are  appointed 
to  watch  over  the  fold  of  Christ.  Let  none  of 
them  be  as  hirelings  who  care  not  for  the  sheep. 


EASTER   TO  TRINITY.  179 

But  raise  up  pastors  according  to  thy  heart,  who 
shall  seek  that  which  is  lost,  and  bring  again  that 
which  is  driven  away,  and  bind  up  that  which  is 
broken,  and  strengthen  that  which  is  weak.  May 
they  take  heed  to  themselves,  and  to  all  the  flock 
of  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  them  over- 
seers, to  feed  thy  Church,  which  thy  blessed  Son 
hast  purchased  with  his  blood  ;  that  when  he,  the 
Chief  Shepherd,  shall  appear,  they  may  receive, 
at  his  hands,  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not 
away. 

And  0,  thou  blessed  Jesus,  who  didst  come  to 
seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost,  look  with  an 
eye  of  pity  upon  those  who  are  still  as  sheep  going 
astray,  and  especially  on  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house 
of  Israel.  Bring  them  home,  merciful  Lord,  to 
thy  flock,  that  they  may  be  saved  with  the  remnant 
of  the  true  Israelites :  And  grant  that  they  and 
we,  as  one  fold,  under  one  Shepherd,  may  learn 
of  thee,  who  art  meek  and  lowly'  in  heart,  and 
thus  find  rest  to  our  souls.  Feed  us  in  green  pas- 
tures ;  and  lead  us  forth  beside  the  waters  of  com- 
fort. Conduct  us  to  the  end  of  our  life,  in  the 
paths  of  righteousness.  And  when  we  pass  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  be  thou  with 
us,  that  thy  rod  and  staff  may  sustain  and  support 
us,  and  bring  us  at  last  to  thy  heavenly  fold. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Grant  these  and  all  our  petitions,  through  the 
merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and 


I 


180  EASTER  TO   TRINITY. 

reigneth  with  thee,  O  Father,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.    Amen. 


SATURDAY  MOENING 


Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  by  whose 
providence  the  darkness  of  night  is  turned  to  the 
light  of  day,  look  down  upon  us,  thy  humble  ser- 
vants, who  are  assembled  together  to  praise  thee 
for  thy  goodness,  and  to  implore  the  continuance 
of  thy  fatherly  protection.  Thy  daily  mercies  are 
daily  calls  to  gratitude  and  obedience.  But  we 
acknowledge,  gracious  God,  our  unworthiness  of 
thy  favors,  and  the  coldness  of  our  hearts  in  the 
midst  of  thy  blessings.  Accept  our  hearty  thanks 
for  thy  patience  and  forbearance,  in  bringing  us, 
notwithstanding  our  sins  and  ingratitude,  to  the 
beginning  of  another  day. 

We  come  before  thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  the 
friend  of  sinners,  and  our  advocate  with  thee.  For 
his  sake,  hear  and  answer  all  our  petitions.  For 
his  sake,  bestow  upon  us,  not  only  the  bounties 
of  thy  providence,  but  the  richer  blessings  of  thy 
grace.  Preserve  our  frail  bodies  from  day  to  day ; 
and,  above  all,  have  compassion  on  our  guilty 
souls.  Grant  unto  us  pardon  and  peace,  that  we 
may  be  cleansed  from  all  our  sins,  and  ever  here- 
after serve  thee,  in  meekness  of  spirit,  and  quiet- 
ness of  mind.     Keep  us  especially  this  day  by  thy 


EASTER  TO   TRINITY.  181 

mighty  power :  And  grant  that  our  love  to  thee 
may  abound  more  and  more,  that  we  may  ap- 
prove and  obey  thy  holy  precepts,  that  we  may 
be  sincere  and  without  offence,  till  the  day  of 
Christ ;  being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness, which  are  by  him,  to  the  praise  of  thee  our 
God. 

Hear  our  intercessions,  most  gracious  Father, 
for  the  whole  race  of  man.  Overrule  all  the 
changes  in  empires  and  kingdoms  to  the  advance- 
ment of  true  religion,  and  for  the  promotion  of 
thy  glory.  Extend  the  kingdom  of  thy  dear  Son, 
to  the  utmost  bounds  of  the  earth.  Inspire  thy 
Church  with  zeal  and  constancy,  and  endue  thy 
ministers  with  wisdom  and  strength,  for  the  pro- 
pagation of  thy  holy  word,  that  the  tidings  of  sal- 
vation may  be  proclaimed  among  the  heathen,  and 
that  the  whole  world  may  be  turned  unto  thee, 
and  all  kindreds  and  people  may  worship  before 
thee.  Kenew  thy  everlasting  covenant  with  thy 
ancient,  people  Israel,  that  they  may  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  bow  the  knee  to  him 
whom  their  fathers  crucified. 

Look  with  an  eye  of  pity  upon  this  nation. 
We  are  a  sinful  people  laden  with"  iniquity ;  and 
deserve  nothing  at  thy  hands  but  chastisements 
and  judgments.  But,  deal  not  with  us,  0  God, 
according  to  our  wickedness.  Withhold  thy  hand, 
and  spare  us,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake.  Send 
forth  throughout  our  land,  a  spirit  of  repentance, 
that  we  may  turn  from  our  evil  ways,  and  amencl 


182  EASTER   TO   TRINITY. 

our  doings.  Increase  among  us  that  righteous- 
ness which  exalteth  a  nation,  and  save  us  from 
those  sins  which  are  a  reproach  to  any  people. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  pray  for  all  thy  faithful  servants,  and  espe- 
cially for  those  among  our  relatives  and  friends. 
May  their  jiames  be  written  in  the  book  of  life, 
and  found  therein  in  the  last  day.  Hear  us,  0 
God,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  in  whose  form  of 
words  we  sum  up  these  our  petitions  • — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING. 


Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the 
giver  and  preserver  of  all  good  things,  Ave  humbly 
beseech  thee,  of  thy  great  mercy,  to  receive  and 
accept  our  thank-offerings.  Grant  that  from  the 
abundance  of  grateful  hearts,  we  may  speak  thy 
praise ;  and  that,  at  the  close  of  every  week,  we 
may  be  found  growing  in  all  the  graces  and  fruits 
of  the  Spirit. 

0  thou  who  hast  given  thy  Son  to  die  for  our 
sins,  and  to  rise  again  for  our  justification,  grant 
us  grace  so  to  put  away  the  leaven  of  malice  and 
wickedness,  that  we  may  always  serve  thee  in 
pureness  of  living  and  truth  ;  that  at  his  second 
coming  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  we 
may  be  found  an  acceptable  people  in  thy  sight. 


i 


EASTER   TO   TRINITY.  183 

Grant  unto  us  forgiveness  of  all  that  is  past, 
through  him  who,  bj  thy  grace,  tasted  death  for 
every  man.  For  his  sake,  cleanse  us  from  all  our 
defilements,  and  pardon  our  manifold  sins  and 
transgressions ;  that,  being  justified  by  his  blood, 
we  may  be  saved  from  condemnation,  through  his 
all-prevailing  intercession. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

To  thy  tender  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus  we  now 
commit  all  the  members  of  our  household,  with 
our  dear  friends  and  relatives,  whether  present  or 
absent.  Keep  and  defend  us  through  the  dark- 
ness of  the  night ;  and  bring  us  in  health  and 
peace  to  the  light  of  another  day  of  rest..  And, 
O  God,  prepare  our  hearts  by  thy  good  Spirit,  for 
the  joys  and  comforts  of  thy  holy  worship,  for 
the  profitable  use  of  thy  written  word,  and  for  the 
due  improvement  of  all  the  means  of  grace,  which 
thou,  in  thy  mercy,  hast  afforded  us. 

We  ask  thy  blessing  on  all  the  ministers  of  thy 
word  and  ordinances.  Prepare  them  for  the 
solemn  services  of  thy  sanctuary,  and  for  all  the 
duties  of  their  high  calling ;  that  they  may  preach 
thy  truth  in  love,  and  minister  in  holy  things, 
with  all  faithfulness  and  diligence. 

And  to  every  member  of  thy  holy  universal 
Church,  extend  thy  blessing ;  and  grant  that  all 
who  profess  and  call  themselves  Christians,  may 
be  led  into  the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in 
unity  of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in 
righteousness  of  life. 


184  EASTEE   TO   TKINITY. 

Bless  the  means  which  are  employed  for  the 
extension  of  thy  kingdom  throughout  the  world. 
And  let  the  time  draw  near,  when  the  whole 
earth  shall  be  filled  with  thy  glory,  and  when 
every  thing  that  hath  breath  shall  praise  the 
Lord. 

We  ask  for  all  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  in  whose  form  of  words  we  conclude  our 
petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


ASCENSION-DAY-MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  the  King  of  glory,  who  hast  exalted 
thine  only  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  with  great  triumph 
unto  thy  kingdom  in  heaven,  permit  us,  we  be- 
seech thee,  to  draw  near  to  thee  in  his  all  prevail- 
ing name,  knowing  that  he  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  us  miserable  sinners.  May  this 
great  High  Priest,  who  has  passed  into  the  heavens, 
ever  be  our  advocate  with  thee.  Accept,  we  im- 
plore thee,  his  mediation  in  our  behalf;*  and  when 
thou  hearest,  have  mercy  upon  us.  May  our  sins, 
though  rhany,  be  forgiven  us,  through  the  riches 
of  thy  grace.  Excite  in  us  that  godly  sorrow  for 
sin,  which  worketh  repentance  unto  salvation,  not 
to  be  repented  of.  Give  us  that  living  faith  which 
worketh  by  love,  purifying  the  heart,  overcoming 


EASTER  TO  TRINITY.  186 

the  world,  and  bringing  fortli  the  abundant  fruits 
of  righteousness. 

And,  O  thou,  who  hast  ascended  up  on  high, 
and  hast  led  captivity  captive,  and  hast  received 
gifts  for  men,  and  hast  given  us  apostles,  and 
prophets,  and  evangelists,  and  pastors,  and  teach- 
ers, for  the  perfecting  of  thy  saints,  and.  for  the 
edification  of  thy  Church ;  grant,  we  beseech  thee, 
to  all  the  ministers  and  stewards  of  thy  word,  the 
abundance  of  thy  grace,  that  they  may  evermore 
be  ready  to  spread  abroad  thy  gospel,  and  to  preach 
the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  ;  until  all  men  shall 
come,  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of  the  know- 
ledge of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  the  perfect  stature 
of  the  fullness  of  Christ. 

We  bless  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  all  thy 
various  and  great  mercies;  for  the  wonderful  Avork 
of  redemption ;  and  for  the  hope  set  before  us  in 
the  gospel.  We  bless  thee  for  the  privilege  of 
meeting  together  for  prayer  and  praise,  on  this 
memorable  morning.  Give  us  grace  to  celebrate, 
with  grateful  hearts,  the  exaltation  of  thy  blessed 
Son  to  his  eternal  throne.  May  our  thoughts  also 
thither  ascend,  drawing  up  our  affections  and  de- 
sires to  heavenly  things,  and  fitting  and  preparing 
us  for  the  final  enjoyment  of  thy  presence  in  the 
mansions  of  glory. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &;c.] 

We  intercede  with  thee,  gracious  God,  for  all 

who  are  near  and  dear  to  us.     Look  with  pity 

upon  those  who  have  hitherto  placed  their  hopes 
16* 


186  EASTER  TO   TRINITY. 

and  affections  on  the  objects  of  this  world,  and 
have  neglected  the  things  which  belong  to  their 
eternal  peace.  Quicken  them  from  the  death  of 
sin,  unto  a  new  and  holy  life.  Make  them  wise 
unto  salvation  ;  and  enable  them  hereafter  to  seek 
those  things  which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth 
at  the  right  hand  of  God.  And  to  those  who  have 
known  the  power  of  thy  word,  and  have  turned 
their  hearts  from  serving  the  vain  idols  of  this 
world,  to  serve  thee,  the  living  God,  give  the 
abundance  of  thy  grace.  Keep  them  through 
thine  own  name  from  the  evils  and  temptations 
of  this  present  life.  Sanctify  them  through  thy 
truth :  And  grant  that,  with  them  and  all  others 
who  shall  believe  in  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  we  may 
have  our  perfect  consummation  and  bliss  in  thy 
eternal  and  everlasting  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0  Father,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 


ASCENSION- DAY-EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty,  everliving  God,  whose  most  dearly 
beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  before  his  ascension 
into  heaven,  didst  give  commandment  to  his  dis- 
ciples, to  go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature,  baptizing  them  in  the 


EASTER   TO   TRINITY.  187 

name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost ;  regard,  we  beseech  thee,  the  suppli- 
cations with  which  we  close  the  duties  of  this  day ; 
and  grant  that  all  persons  who  are  admitted  into 
thy  holy  Church  by  baptism,  may  receive  the 
fullness  of  thy  grace,  and  ever  remain  in  the  num- 
ber of  thy  faithful  children.  Being  received  into 
the  congregation  of  Christ's  flock,  and  signed  with 
the  sign  of  the  cross,  may  they  never  be  ashamed 
to  confess  the  faith  of  Christ  crucified,  but  man- 
fully fight  under  his  banner,  against  sin,  the  world, 
and  the  devil,  and  continue  Christ's  faithful  sol- 
diers and  servants,  unto  their  life's  end. 

Accept  our  thanks,  heavenly  Father,  for  the 
marvelous  works  which  thou  hast  wrought  for  the 
sinful  children  of  men.  We  bless  thee  for  sending 
thine  only  begotton  Son  into  the  world,  that  who- 
soever believeth  in  him  may  not  perish,  but  have 
everlasting  life.  We  praise  thee  for  raising  him 
from  the  grave,  and  setting  him  at  thine  own 
right  hand  in  heavenly  places,  far  above  all  prin- 
cipality, and  power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and 
every  name  that  is  named,  not  only  in  this  world, 
but  in  that  which  is  to  come.  We  rejoice,  that 
thou  hast  put  all  things  under  his  feet ;  that  thou 
hast  given  him  to  be  head  over  all  things  to  the 
Church,  which  is  his  body,  the  fullness  of  him  that 
filleth  all  in  all;  and  that  thou  hast  given  us 
assurance,  that  he  has  ascended  to  his  Father  and 
our  Father,  to  his  God  and  our  God,  to  prepare  a 
place  for  those  that  love  him.     Grant  that  we  may 


188  EASTER   TO   TRINITY. 

all  be  found  at  last  among  this  tappy  number. 
"We  pray  thee,  0  God,  who  art  rich  in  mercy,  to 
quicken  us  who  are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins, 
and  raise  us  up  together,  and  make  us  to  sit  in 
heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus.  Send  down  thy 
Holy  Ghost  to  comfort  us :  And  finally,  exalt  us 
to  the  same  place  whither  our  Saviour  has  gone 
before,  that  we  may  be  with  him  where  he  is,  and 
may  behold  his  glory,  which  he  had  with  thee 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Keep  us,  O  God,  in  continual  watchfulness- 
Let  us  remember,  that  the  end  of  all  things  is  at 
hand ;  that  the  time  draws  near,  when  the  same 
Jesus  who  ascended  into  heaven,  will  come  again 
in  glor}^,  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  and 
to  minister  equity  and  justice  to  all  people.  Make 
us  sober,  and  faithful,  and  diligent,  in  all  the 
duties  of  our  Christian  calling.  Above  all,  give 
us  that  fervent  charity,  which  shall  cover  the 
multitude  of  sins.  Let  us  use  hospitality  one  to 
another  without  grudging.  As  every  man  hath 
received  the  gift,  even  so  let  us  minister  the  same 
one  to  another,  as  good  stewards  of  the  manifold 
grace  of  God ;  that  God  may  in  all  things  be  glo- 
rified, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


EASTER  TO   TRINITY.  189 

WHIT-SUNDAY-MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

O  God,  merciful  Father,  we  praise  thee,  we 
bless  thee,  we  worship  thee,  we  glorify  thee,  we 
give  thanks  to  thee,  for  all  the  bounties  of  thy 
providence  and  grace ;  and  especially  for  thy  great 
goodness,  in  sending  down,  as  at  this  time,  the  Holy 
Grhost,  the  blessed  Comforter,  to  abide  with  thy 
Church  forever,  and  to  direct,  sanctify,  and  govern 
the  hearts  of  thy  people. 

We  wait  this  morning  at  thy  footstool  for  new 
supplies  of  thy  grace,  to  help  our  infirmities,  to 
purify  our  thoughts  and  to  endue  us  with  a  spirit 
of  prayer  and  supplication.  Grant,  we  beseech 
thee,  that  thy  Holy  Spirit  may  now  rest  upon  us, 
as  a  Spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding ;  a  Spirit 
of  counsel  and  strength ;  a  Spirit  of  knowledge 
and  true  godliness ;  a  Spirit  of  holy  fear  and  rev- 
erence ;  a  Spirit  of  truth,  and  love,  and  unity ;  a 
Spirit  of  everlasting  consolation  :  And  especially, 
0  God,  prepare  us  for  the  due  observance  of  this 
day.  Guide  us  into  all  truth.  Open  our  hearts 
to  understand  and  receive  thy  holy  word,  and 
enable  us  to  unite,  with  one  heart  and  one  voice, 
in  the  solemn  services  of  thy  temple,  and  to  pour 
out  before  thee  the  incense  of  prayer  and  praise,  in 
the  congregation  of  thy  people. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

0  blessed  Jesus,  who,  after  thou  hadst  ascended 
up  on  high,  didst  shed  upon    thy  holy  apostles 


k 


190  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

many  excellent  gifts,  and  wlio  hast  graciously 
promised  to  be  with  the  ministers  of  thy  Church 
to  the  end  of  the  world;  we  commend  to  thy 
heavenly  graqe,  all  those  whom  thou  hast  ap- 
pointed and  commanded  to  feed  thy  flock.  Be 
thou  ever  present  with  the  successors  of  thy  first 
apostles,  the  bishops  of  thy  Church,  and  all  other 
pastors  who  may  be  duly  called  to  the  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry.  Make  them  diligent  in  preaching 
thy  word,  and  in  dispensing  thy  holy  sacraments ; 
that  they  may  teach  the  truth  in  love,  and  admin- 
ister the  wholesome  discipline  of  the  Church,  in  thy 
fear,  and  to  thy  glory. 

And  to  all  thy  people,  extend  the  riches  of  thy 
grace.  Pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  flesh.  Send 
out  thy  light  and  thy  truth  to  the  nations  who 
have  never  heard  thy  name.  Look  with  pity  on 
thy  ancient  people  Israel.  Give  them  a  new 
heart,  and  revive  a  right  spirit  within  them,  that 
they  may  hereafter  confess  thy  name,  and  keep 
thy  statutes,  and  follow  and  obey  thy  ordinances. 
And  shed  abroad  thy  spiritual  blessings  on  all  the 
Churches  of  thy  saints  throughout  the  world. 
May  they  be  edified  by  thy  truth ;  and  walking 
in  thy  fear,  and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Grhost, 
may  they  enjoy  on  earth,  an  earnest  and  foretaste 
of  the  joys  and  consolations  of  thy  Church  tri- 
umphant in  heaven. 

In  thy  all-prevailing  name,  O  blessed  Saviour, 
we  offer  these  our  prayers  and  supplications, 
ascribing  to  thee,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 


EASTER   TO   TRINITY.  191 

Gliost,  equal  adoration  and  praise,  now  and  ever- 
more.    A  men. 


WHIT-SUND  AY-EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
through  whom  we  have  access  by  one  Spirit  unto 
thee,  hear,  we  beseech  thee,  the  voice  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving  with  which  we  close  this  day. 
We  bless  thee  for  all  the  benefits  bestowed  upon 
us,  and  especially  for  the  spiritual  blessings  sealed 
to  us  by  the  coming  of  the  -Holy  Ghost.  We 
bless  thee  for  thy  holy  word,  for  thy  ministry  and 
ordinances,  and  for  all  the  means  of  grace  which 
we  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy  this  day. 

[Thanksgiving  for  Communion-Day.] 

We  praise  thee,  0  God,  for  opening  unto  us  a 
fountain  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness,  and  for  puri- 
fying the  humble  and  contrite  soul,  by  the  wash- 
ing of  regeneration  and  the  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Make  us  all  partakers  of  this  heavenly 
gift.  Grant  that  all  sinful  affections  may  die  in 
us,  and  that  all  things  belonging  to  the  Spirit  may 
live  and  grow  in  us. 

Give  us  grace  to  put  off*,  concerning  the  former 
conversation,  the  old  man,  which  is  corrupt,  ac- 
cording to  the  deceitful  lusts ;  and  to  put  on  the 
new  man,  which,  after  thy  image,  is  created  in 


192  EASTER  TO  TRINITY. 

righteousness  and  true  holiness.  Cleanse  the 
thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  thy  holy  inspiration, 
that  we  may  perfectly  love  thee,  and  worthily 
magnify  thy  holy  name.  By  thy  special  grace 
preventing  us,  put  into  our  minds  good  desires, 
and  by  thy  continued  help,  enable  us  to  bring  the 
same  to  good  effect,  that  we,  who  can  not  do  any 
thing  that  is  good  without  thee,  may  by  thee  be 
enabled  to  live  according  to  thy  will.  Grant,  we 
beseech  thee,  that  as  thou  didst  teach  the  hearts 
of  thy  faithful  people,  by  sending  to  them  the 
light  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  so  we,  by  the  same 
Spirit,  may  have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things, 
and  may  evermore  rejoice  in  his  holy  comfort. 

0  Lord  God,  inasmuch  as  the  manifestation  of 
the  Spirit  is  given  to  every  man  to  profit  withal, 
let  none  receive  his  grace  in  vain.  Have  compas- 
sion on  those  who  deny  his  eternal  power  and 
godhead,  and  show  unto  them  who  are  thus  in 
error,  the  light  of  thy  truth,  that  they  may  return 
into  the  way  of  righteousness.  Be  merciful  unto 
such  as  profess  to  believe  in  him,  and  yet  in  works 
deny  him,  and  are  doing  despite  unto  his  grace. 
Let  them  no  longer  grieve  that  Holy  Spirit  by 
which  they  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption, 
but  give  them  strength  ever  hereafter  to  obey  his 
godly  motions  in  righteousness  and  true  holi- 
ness. 

Be  gracious  unto  those  whom  the  Holy  Ghost 
hath  made  overseers  to  feed  the  Church,  and  may 
they  be  faithful  dispensers  of  thy  holy  word  and 


EASTER  TO   TRINITY.  193 

sacraments,  through  the  grace,  of  our  dear  Ee- 
deemer,  Jesus  Christ. 

0  God,  Holy  Ghost,  sanctifier  of  the  faithful, 
visit  us,  we  pray  thee,  as  a  family  and  household, 
with  thy  love  and  favor.  Enlighten  our  minds 
more  and  more  with  the  light  of  the  everlasting 
gospel;  graft  in  our  hearts  a  lo\e  of  the  truth; 
increase  in  us  true  religion ;  nourish  us  with  all 
goodness ;  and  of  thy  great  mercy,  keep  us  stead- 
fast in  the  faith,  0  blessed  Spirit,  whom,  with  the 
Father  and  the  Son  together,  we  worship  and 
glorify  as  one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 
11 


Criuitg  ta  %^)stvit. 


TRINITY-SIJND  AY-MORNING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

O  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  we  adore  thee  as 
the  maker  of  heaven  and  earth.  Thou,  Lord,  in 
the  beginning,  hast  laid  the  foundation  of  the 
earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  works  of  thine 
hands :  They  shall  perish,  but  thou  remainest ; 
and  they  all  shall  wax  old,  as  doth  a  garment,  and 
as  a  vesture  shalt  thou  fold  them  up,  and  they 
shall  be  changed :  But  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy 
years  shall  not  fail.  And,  0  God,  as  thou  didst 
rest  on  the  seventh  day,  after  the  heavens  and  the 
earth  were  finished,  and  all  the  host  of  them  ;  and 
as  thou  didst  bless  and  sanctify  the  seventh  day, 
that  it  might  be  kept  holy  unto  thee ;  grant  us 
grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to  rest  this  day,  and  to 
worship  and  serve  thee,  according  to  thy  com- 
mandment. While  we  acknowledge  thee  as  our 
Creator,  preserver,  and  benefactor,  let  us  come 
into  thy  presence  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  thy 
courts  with  praise.  May  we  be  thankful  unto 
thee,  and  speak  good  of  thy  name. 

0  God  the  Son,  thou  Eternal  Word,  who  wast 
in  the  beginning  with  the  Father ;  by  whom  all 
things  were  created  ;  Thou,  who  wast  made  flesh 


TRINITY   TO  ADVENT.  195 

and  dwelt  among  us,  whose  glory  we  beheld,  the 
glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full 
of  grace  and  truth ;  we  adore  thee,  we  worship 
thee,  we  glorify  thee.  Thou  art  worthy,  0  Lord, 
to  receive  glory,  and  honor,  and  power ;  for  thou 
art  our  Almighty  Redeemer,  deliverer,  and  ran- 
som. May  we  seek  pardon  and  forgiveness  for  all 
our  sins  through  thy  all-prevailing  mediation  and 
intercession ;  and  may  we  look  to  thee,  and  thy 
merits,  for  help,  and  hope,  and  salvation. 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  thou  Eternal  Spirit, 
whom  with  the  Father  and  the  Son  together,  we 
worship  and  glorify  as  one  God ;  we  adore  thee  as 
our  Comforter,  who  came  down  from  heaven  to 
help  our  infirmities,  and  to  guide  us  into  all  truth ; 
as  the  Spirit  of  grace  and  supplication,  by  whom 
we  are  taught  how  and  for  what  to  pray  ;  as  the 
Spirit  of  holiness,  and  the  sanctifier  of  the  faith- 
ful; as  the  quickening  and  regenerating  power 
of  God,  by  whom  we  are  renewed  in  heart  and 
life,  and  prepared  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
Visit  us,  we  pray  thee,  with  thy  love  and  favor ; 
enlighten  our  minds  more  and  more  with  the  light 
of  the  everlasting  gospel ;  graft  in  our  hearts  the 
love  of  the  truth  ;  increase  in  us  true  religion  ; 
nourish  us  with  all  goodness ;  and  of  thy  great 
mercy  keep  us  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  our  life. 

O  holy,  blessed,  and  glorious  Trinity,  have 
mercy  upon  us,  and  keep  us  steadfast  in  the  faith 
once  delivered  to  the  saints.  Bless  and  defend 
thy  Church ;  and  preserve  it  from  all  false  doc- 


196  TRINITY  TO  ADVENT. 

trine,  heresy,  and  schism  ;  that  it  may  continue 
to  the  end  of  time,  the  ground  and  pillar  of  the 
truth,  and  evermore  be  protected  from  all  adver- 
sity, persecution,  and  oppression.  Make  us,  and 
all  others  who  profess  and  call  themselves  Chris- 
tians, faithful  in  every  duty,  and  diligent  in  every 
good  work ;  and  enable  us  by  holiness  and  purity 
of  life,  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour 
in  all  things. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  now,  to  thee,  0  Father,  and  to  thee,  0 
Son,  and  to  thee,  O  Holy  Ghost,  the  ever  blessed 
and  glorious  Trinity,  three  persons  and  one  God, 
be  rendered  and  ascribed  equal  and  endless  praise, 
now,  henceforth,  and  forever    Amen. 


TRINLTT-STINDAY-EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  we  bless  thee 
for  the  manifold  and  great  mercies  which  thou 
hast  bestowed  upon  us  this  day.  We  thank  thee 
that  thou  hast  given  unto  us,  thy  servants,  grace, 
by  the  confession  of  a  true  faith,  to  acknowledge 
the  glory  of  the  eternal  Trinity,  and  in  the  power 
of  the  divine  Majesty,  to  worship  the  Unity.  We 
praise  thee,  O  God ;  we  acknowledge  thee  to  be 
the  Lord.  With  all  the  earthy  we  worship  thee. 
With  the  glorious  company  of  the  apostles  ;  with 
the    goodly   fellowship   of  the    prophets;    with 


TRINITY  TO   ADVENT.  197 

the  noble  army  of  martyrs,  we  praise  thee.  With 
the  Holy  Church,  throughout  all  the  world,  we 
acknowledge  thee,  the  Father,  of  an  infinite  ma- 
jesty ;  thine  adorable,  true,  and  only  Son ;  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  the  Comforter. 

May  we  be  of  the  number  of  those  who,  through 
faith,  are  born  of  God;  and  by  faith  may  we 
overcome  the  world.  May  we  so  confess  the  three 
that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  the  three  that  bear  wit- 
ness in  earth,  the  Spirit,  the  water,  and  the  blood, 
may  bear  witness  with  our  spirit,  that  we  are  the 
children  of  God. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  the  doctrines  and  precepts 
which  we  have  heard  this  day,  may  prove  profit- 
able to  our  souls.  May  we  reflect,'  with  deep 
humility  and  abasement,  on  the  majesty,  the  wis- 
dom, and  the  justice  of  thee  our  God.  May  we 
seek  thy  compassion  and  forgiveness,  through  the 
all-prevailing  intercession  of  thy  dear  Son.  May 
thy  Holy  Spirit  help  our  infirmities,  and  purify 
our  hearts,  and  sanctify  our  affections.  So  may 
we  become  living  temples  of  God,  that  the  Spirit 
of  God  may  dwell  in  us  forever. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  now,  O  God,  let  us  retire  to  rest  with  the 
consoling  hope,  that  we  have  walked  this  day  as 
the  children  of  light,  and  that  our  imperfect  ser- 
vices have  been,  in  some  measure,  acceptable  unto 
thee.     Take  us  under  thy  care  and  protection. 

Keep  us  through  the  silent  watches  of  the  night. 
17* 


198  TRINITY   TO    ADVENT. 

Guard  us  from  every  danger.  Preserve  us  from 
all  evil.  Give  us  quiet  and  refreshing  sleep,  and, 
if  it  please  thee,  bring  us,  in  health  and  peace,  to 
the  beginning  of  another  day,  fitted  and  prepared 
for  all  the  various  duties  of  life.  Grant  us  grace 
to  be  faithful  to  every  trust  committed  to  us,  dili- 
gent in  our  several  callings,  and  submissive  to  all 
thy  righteous  dealings.  May  we  do  justly,  and 
love  mercy,  and  walk  humbly  with  thee  our  God. 

Have  pity,  O  merciful  Father,  upon  those  who 
lie  down  this  night  in  sorrow,  pain,  or  sickness. 
Be  thou  present  with  them  in  all  their  troubles ; 
show  them  the  light  of  thy  countenance ;  sustain 
them  with  thy  heavenly  consolations ;  and  in  thine 
own  good  time  deliver  them  from  every  danger, 
and  make  them  partakers  of  all  thy  mercies  in 
Christ  Jesus. 

We  commend  to  thy  mercy  and  grace,  all  our 
relations  and  friends.  And  may  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the 
fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  them,  and 
with  us  all,  this  night  and  forevermore.     Amen. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

0  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  Almighty  and 
everlasting  God,  who  hast  safely  brought  us  to 
the  beginning  of  tliis  day  we  bless  thee  for  this 


TRINITY   TO  ADVENT.  199 

and  every  other  manifestation  of  thy  goodness  and 
loving  kindness.  Day  by  day  we  magnify  thee, 
and  worship  thy  holy  name.  Unto  thee,  0  God, 
all  hearts  are  open.  Unto  thee  all  desires  are 
known:  And  from  thee  no  secrets  are  hid.  Cleanse 
the  thoughts  of  our  hearts,  by  the  inspiration  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  perfectly  love  thee, 
and  devoutly  offer  unto  thee  our  morning  sacrifice 
of  praise  and  thanksgiving. 

Youchsafe,  0  Lord,  to  keep  us  this  day  without 
sin.  Direct,  sanctify,  and  govern,  both  our  hearts 
and  bodies,  in  the  ways  of  thy  laws,  and  in  the 
works  of  thy  commandments.  Give  us  grace 
diligently  to  search  the  scriptures,  and  make  thy 
word  a  lamp  unto  our  feet,  and  a  light  unto  our 
paths.  Guide  us  in  our  private  meditations,  and 
give  us  understanding,  that  we  may  know  thy 
testimonies,  that  in  all  our  works,  begun,  continued, 
and  ended  in  thee,  we  may  glorify  thy  holy  name, 
and  finally,  by  thy  mercy,  obtain  everlasting  life. 

0  Merciful  God,  show  unto  us  this  day  the  light 
of  thy  countenance,  in  the  public  services  of  thy 
sanctuary,  Permit  us  to  assemble  together  in  thy 
holy  temple,  to  render  thanks  for  the  great  bene- 
fits that  we  have  received  at  thy  hands ;  to  set 
forth  thy  most  worthy  praise ;  to  hear  thy  most 
holy  word;  and  to  ask  those  things  which  are 
requisite  and  necessary,  as  well  for  the  body  as 
the  soul.  Grant  us  grace  to  acknowledge  and 
confess  our  manifold  sins  and  wickedness ;  that 
we  mav  not  dissemble  nor  cloak  them  before  thv 


200  TRINITY   TO   ADVENT. 

face;  but  confess  them,  with  an  humble,  lowly, 
penitent,  and  obedient  heart,  to  the  end  that  we 
may  obtain  forgiveness  of  the  same,  by  thine 
infinite  goodness  and  mercy. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Almighty  God,  from  whom  cometh  every  good 
and  perfect  gift,  and  who  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  hast 
appointed  divers  orders  of  ministers  in  thy  Church, 
send  down  the  abundance  of  thy  grace  upon  those 
who  are  called  to  dispense  thy  word  and  or- 
dinances ;  and  so  replenish  them  with  the  truth 
of  thy  doctrine,  and  adorn  them  with  purity  of 
life,  that  both  by  word  and  good  example,  they 
may  faithfully  serve  thee  in  their  several  stations, 
to  the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  the  edification  of 
thy  Church.  And  bestow  thy  blessing,  0  God, 
on  all  the  congregations  of  thy  people,  that  they 
may  be  so  joined  together  in  unity  of  spirit,  and 
in  the  bond  of  peace,  that  they  may  be  an 
holy  temple,  acceptable  unto  thee.  We  especially 
commend  to  thy  grace,  the  congregation  with 
whom  we  may  worship  this  day.  Grant  that, 
with  one  heart,  they  may  desire  the  prosperity  of 
thy  holy  Apostolic  Church,  and  with  one  mouth 
may  profess  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints. 
Defend  them  from  the  sins  of  heresy  and  schism ; 
let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  nigh  to  hurt  them, 
nor  the  hand  of  the  ungodly  to  cast  them  down. 
May  the  course  of  this  world  be  so  peaceably 
ordered  by  thy  governance,  that  the  Church  may 
joyfully  serve  thee  in  all  godly  quietness ;  and 


TRINITY   TO   ADVENT.  201 

may  all  who  are  called  Christians,  walk  in  the 
ways  of  truth  and  peace,  and  at  last  be  numbered 
with  thy  saints  in  glory  everlasting,  through  thy 
merits,  0  blessed  Jesus,  thou  gracious  Bishop  and 
Shepherd  of  our  soUls,  who  art,  with  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


SUNDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we,  thine 
unworthy  servants,  desire  to  humble  ourselves 
before  thee.  We  acknowledge  thy  great  goodness. 
"We  thank  thee  for  the  various  and  multiplied 
blessings,  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us  this 
day.  We  adore  thee  as  our  Creator,  our  pre- 
server, and  our  benefactor.  Above  all,  we  bless 
thee  for  the  gift  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
redemption  of  the  world,  by  his  meritorious  sacri- 
fice and  atonement.  We  bless  thee  for  thine 
inestimable  love,  in  opening  a  way  of  access  to 
thy  throne,  through  his  all-prevailing  mediation 
and  intercession;  for  thy  instituted  means  of 
grace ;  and  for  the  blessed  hope  of  life  and  immor- 
tality, brought  to  light  in  thy  gospel.  Give  us,  0 
God,  a  deep  and  affecting  sense  of  all  thy  mercies ; 
that  out  of  the  abundance  of  our  hearts,  our  lips 
may   speak   thy    praise.      May    we   be   enabled, 


202  TKINITY  TO  ADVENT. 

througli  thy  grace,  to  give  ourselves  up  to  thy 
service,  and  walk  before  thee  in  holiness  and 
righteousness  all  our  days. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  the  words  which  we  have 
read  or  heard  this  day,  may  'sink  into  our  hearts, 
purifying  our  minds,  enlightening  our  understand- 
ing, and  sanctifying  our  affections.  May  they 
bring  forth  in  us  the  fruit  of  good  and  holy  living, 
and  fit  and  prepare  us  for  tfie  enjoyment  of  thy 
heavenly  kingdom.  And,  as  thou  hast  promised 
to  hear  the  petitions  of  those  who  ask  in  thy 
Son's  name,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  incline 
thine  ears  to  us,  who  have  drawn  near  to  thee  in 
prayer  and  supplication;  and  grant  that  those 
things  which  have  been  faithfully  asked  according 
to  thy  will,  may  effectually  be  obtained,  to  the 
relief  of  our  necessity,  and  the  setting  forth  of  thy 
glory. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  ask  thy  blessing,  heavenly  Father,  in  be- 
half of  those  who  have  this  day  been  deprived 
through  thy  providence,  of  the  privileges  of  thy 
public  worship,  and  the  ordinances  of  thy  Church. 
O  thou,  who  seest  "in  secret,  and  hast  graciously 
promised  openly  to  reward  those  who  pray  to 
thee  in  secret,  grant  that  through  the  refreshing 
visitations  of  thy  Spirit,  every  devout  soul  may 
be  comforted  and  satisfied ;  and  that  in  every 
place,  the  incense  offered  to  thy  name  may  ascend 
to  thy  throue  as  a  pure  offering,  and  be  always 
acceptable  in  th}^  sight. 


TRINITY  TO   ADVENT.  203 

We  intercede  with  thee,  merciful  God,  for  those 
who  have  willingly  abstained  from  the  services  of 
thy  house,  and  neglected  the  duties  of  this  holy 
day ;  and  for  those  who  have  profaned  thy  Sab- 
bath, by  forbidden  indulgencies,  or  vain  recrea- 
tions, or  worldly  occupations.  Father,  forgive 
them  all  that  is  past ;  and  take  from  them  their 
evil  heart  of  unbelief,  lest  they  be  hardened  by 
the  deceitfulness  of  sin,  and  forfeit  forever  the 
eternal  rest  that  remaineth  to  the  people  of  God. 

And  now,  0  heavenly  Father,  we  commit  our- 
selves, and  all  our  relatives,  friends,  and  brethren, 
to  thy  holy  care  and  keeping,  this  night  and  for- 
evermore;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to 
whom,  with  thee,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
honor  and  glory,  world  without  end.     Amen, 


fiONDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  in  whom  we 
live  and  move,  and  have  our  being ;  we  acknow- 
ledge our  daily  dependence  upon  thee.  We  thank 
thee  for  all  thy  mercies ;  and  especially  for  thy 
providential  care  and  preservation,  from  the  begin- 
ning of  our  lives  to  this  day.  We  thank  thee  for 
thy  goodness,  in  watching  over  us  during  the 
darkness  of  the  night ;  in  protecting  us  from  evil ; 
and  in  permitting  us  again  to  behold  the  morning 


k 


204  TRINITY  TO  ADVENT. 

light.  Accept,  heavenly  Father,  this  our  grateful 
sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving ;  and  enable 
us  to  approach  thy  throne  with  humble  reverence 
and  godly  fear  ;  feeling  our  necessities ;  confessing 
our  sins  and  unworthiness ;  and  seeking  pardon 
and  forgiveness,  through  the  merits  of  thy  beloved 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

Give  us  grace,  merciful  God,  to  dedicate  both 
our  souls  and  bodies  to  thee  and  thy  service,  in  a 
sober,  righteous,  and  godly  life ;  and  in  pity  and 
compassion  to  the  weakness  arid  corruption  of  our 
nature,  we  beseech  thee  to  help  our  infirmities, 
and  strengthen  our  resolutions.  Thou  knowest 
whereof  we  are  made ;  thou  rememberest  that  we 
are  but  dust.  As  a  father  pitieth  his  own  chil- 
dren, even  so  be  thou  merciful  unto  us.  Grant 
us  the  constant  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  that 
we  may  be  effectually  restrained  from  sin,  and 
excited  to  our  duty.  Imprint  upon  our  hearts 
such  a  dread  of  thy  justice,  and  such  a  grateful 
sense  of  thy  goodness,  as  may  make  us  both  afraid 
and  ashamed  to  offend  thee.  Keep  in  our  minds 
a  lively  remembrance  of  that  great  day,  in  which 
every  thought,  and  word,  and  deed,  will  be  judged 
in  righteousness;  when  those  that  sleep  in  the 
dust  of  the  earth  shall  awake,  some  to  everlasting 
life,  and  some  to  shame  and  everlasting  contempt. 
Prepare  us,  O  God,  for  this  final  account.  Purify 
our  hearts,  and  direct  us  in  all  our  ways.  As  we 
approach  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  eternal  world, 
make  us  more  diligent,  and  watchful,  and  circum- 


TRINITY  TO   ADVENT.  205 

spect.  Keep  us  this  day  from  all  evil ;  and  de- 
fend us  from  danger  and  adversity.  Guard  us  in 
the  hour  of  temptation,  restrain  our  passions,  reg- 
ulate our  desires,  and  preserve  us  especially  from 
the  sins  which  most  easily  beset  us.  Grant  us 
patience  and  resignation,  if  thou  shalt  see  fit  to 
visit  us  with  aflliction  or  calamity ;  and  in  whatso- 
ever state  or  condition  it  may  please  thee  to  place 
us,  grant  us  grace  therewith  to  be  content.  Make 
us  just  and  upright  in  all  our  dealings;  kind  and 
compassionate  to  our  neighbors ;  quiet  and  peace- 
able in  all  the  relations  of  life ;  faithful  to  every 
trust  committed  to  us ;  and  ready  to  do  good  to  all 
men,  according  to  our  abilities  and  opportunities. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Heavenly  Father,  receive  with  favor  this  our 
morning  oblation,  and  gi-ant  our  petitions,  not  for 
our  own  deservings,  but  for  the  sake,  and  through 
the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord. 
Amen: 

The  grace,  &c. 


MONDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer 
eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity,  and  in  whose  sight 
the  heavens  are  not  clean,  we  come  before  thee  in 
an  humble  sense  of  our  unworthiness,  beseeching 

18 


206  TEINITY  TO  ADVENT. 

thee  to  look  down  upon  us  in  thy  wonted  pitj 
and  compassion.  Thou  hast  graciously  promised 
forgiveness  to  those  who  confess  and  forsake  their 
Bins.  Thou  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but 
rather  that  he  should  turn  from  his  sin,  and  be 
saved.  Make  us  duly  sensible  of  the  great  evil 
of  our  manifold  transgressions;  that  with  true 
penitence  and  contrition,  we  may  seek  pardon  and 
remission  at  thy  hands. 

But,  O  God,  thou  seest  that  we  are  frail  and 
helpless  in  ourselves,  and  encompassed  by  trials 
and  temptations.  Grant  us  therefore  the  constant 
direction  and  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
no  sinful  thoughts,  or  unlawful  designs,  or  inordi- 
nate desires  may  rest  within  us.  Cleanse  our 
hearts  from  envy,  hatred  and  malice,  and  every 
evil  passion,  that  we  may  always  go  to  our  rest  at 
peace  with  thee,  and  in  charity  and  good  will 
towards  our  fellow-men. 

And  accept,  O  Lord,  our  intercessions  for  all 
mankind.  Extend  the  light  of  thy  everlasting 
gospel  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  that  all  men  may 
know  thee,  from  the  greatest  to  the  least;  that 
from  the  rising  of  the  sun  even  to  the  going  down 
of  the  same,  thy  name  may  be  great  among  the 
Gentiles;  and  that  in  every  place  incense  may  be 
offered  unto  thee.  Be  gracious  unto  thy  Church, 
and  grant  that  every  member  of  the  same,  in  his 
vocation  and  ministry,  may  serve  thee  faithfully. 
Bless  our  civil  rulers  and  magistrates.  Give  them 
grace  to  rule  in  thy  fear,  that  they  may  honor 


TRINITY   TO   ADVENT.  207 

thee  by  their  fidelity,  and  promote  the  welfare  and 
prosperity  of  our  country.  Send  down  thy  bless- 
ings temporal  and  spiritual,  upon  all  our  relations, 
friends  and  brethren.  May  those  who  have  been 
merciful  to  us,  receive  mercy  at  thy  hands.  Par- 
don those  who  have  injured  us,  and  give  them 
repentance  and  a  better  mind.  Have  compassion 
on  those  who  are  in  trouble,  need,  or  affliction ; 
and  administer  consolation  to  them,  according  to 
their  several  necessities. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  thank  thee,  0  God,  for  all  thy  past  mercies ; 
for  the  daily  blessings  and  bounties  of  thy  hand ; 
for  thy  watchful  providence  and  preservation; 
and  for  every  comfort  and  convenience  which  we 
have  been  permitted  to  enjoy.  Above  all,  we 
adore  thee  for  thy  great  mercy,  in  sending  thy 
only  Son  into  the  world  to  redeem  us  from  sin 
and  eternal  death,  and  in  giving  us  the  knowledge 
and  sense  of  our  duty  towards  thee. 

And  now,  heavenly  Father,  we  commit  our- 
selves to  thy  gracious  protection  for  this  night. 
Defend  us  from  danger  and  mischief,  and  from 
fear  and  anxiety,  that  we  may  enjoy  refreshing 
sleep  and  repose,  and  be  fitted  for  the  duties  of 
another  day.  Make  us  ever  mindful  of  the  time 
when  we  must  sleep  the  sleep  of  death,  and  return 
to  the  dust ;  and  grant  us  grace  always  so  to  live, 
that  when  thou  shalt  call  us  hence,  we  may  die 
the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  our  last  end  be 
like  his. 


208  TRINITY  TO   ADVENT. 

We  ask  for  all,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  the  Father, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

O  Lord  God,  the  protector  of  all  that  trust  in 
thee,  give  ear  unto  our  prayers,  and  consider  our 
meditations.  Hearken  to  the  voice  of  our  calling, 
for  unto  thee  do  we  offer  up  our  humble  petitions. 
Early  in  the  morning  do  we  appear  before  thee ; 
even  now  do  we  look  to  thee  for  thy  blessing. 
Without  thee,  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy. 
Thou  art  our  defender  and  keeper ;  we  place  our 
trust  and  confidence  in  thy  unfailing  goodness. 
In  compassion  to  the  weakness  of  our  mortal 
nature,  grant  us,  0  God,  the  help  of  thy  grace ; 
and  increase  and  multiply  upon  us  thy  mercy; 
that  we  may  be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of 
corruption,  and  admitted  into  the  glorious  liberty 
of  thy  children.  Be  thou  our  ruler  and  guide  in 
all  our  ways;  that  we  may  go  out  and  come  in 
this  day  in  peace  and  safety ;  and  that  we  may  so 
pass  through  things  temporal,  that  we  finally  lose 
not  the  things  eternal. 

O  God,  enable  us  to  show  forth  our  gratitude 
to  thee,  by  our  love  to  all  for  whom  Christ  has 


TRINITY   TO   ADVENT;  209 

died.  May  we  be  merciful  to  our  fellow-men,  as 
we  look  for  mercy  at  thy  hands.  Let  us  not 
judge  one  another,  lest  we  be  judged  of  thee.  Let 
us  not  condemn,  lest  we  fall  under  thy  just  con- 
demnation. May  we  forgive  others,  as  we  hope 
to  be  forgiven  of  thee.  And  grant,  we  beseech 
thee,  that  the  whole  course  of  our  lives  may  be  so 
peaceably  ordered  by  thy  governance,  that  we 
may  joyfully  serve  thee  in  all  godly  quietness; 
that  so  we  may  delight  in  thy  service,  and  exer- 
cise ourselves  day  and  night  in  thy  command- 
ments. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

0  God,  the  creator  and  preserver  of  all  mankind, 
we  offer  up  our  supplications  for  the  whole  human 
race.  Be  pleased  to  make  thy  ways  known  unto 
them,  and  cause  the  blessed  light  of  thy  gospel  to 
shine  upon  all  people,  that  all  the  nations  that 
thou  hast  made,  may  come  and  worship  before 
thee,  and  glorify  thy  name.  More  especially,  O 
Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  keep  thy  Church  and 
household  in  thy  true  religion,  that  it  may  ever 
be  governed  by  thy  good  Spirit ;  and  that  all  who 
profess  and  call  themselves  Christians,  may  be 
kept  steadfastly  in  thy  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in 
unity  of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in  right- 
eousness of  life.  Finally,  O  heavenly  Father,  we 
commend  to  thy  unfailing  compassion,  all  the  sons 
and  daughters  of  affliction :  Whatsoever  be  their 
trouble,  be  thou  merciful  unto  them,  and  bless 

them,  and  show  them  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 

18* 


210  TRINITY   TO   ADVENT. 

Comfort  and  relieve  them,  according  to  their  sev- 
eral necessities,  and  give  them  patience  under 
their  sufferings,  and  a  happy  issue  out  of  all  their 
afflictions.  All  which  we  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


TUESDAY   EVENING 


0  Lord  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  let  our 
prayer  now  come  before  thee  as  incense,  and  let 
the  lifting  up  of  our  hands  be  an  acceptable  eve- 
ning sacrifice.  We  acknowledge  our  unworthi- 
ness;  we  confess  our  sins  ;  and  all  our  unrighteous- 
ness is  open  before  thee.  Thou  hast  searched  us 
out,  and  marked  all  our  ways.  There  is  not  a 
word  in  our  tongue,  but  thou  knowest  it ;  and 
thou  understandest  all  our  secret  thoughts.  We 
can  not  flee  from  thy  Spirit ;  we  can  not  escape 
from  thy  presence.  If  we  climb  up  into  heaven, 
or  sink  down  into  hell,  we  see  thy  glory,  or  we 
feel  thy  power.  If  we  take  the  wings  of  the 
morning  and  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
sea,  there  shall  we  see  thy  over-ruling  hand.  If 
we  say,  Peradventure  the  darkness  shall  cover  us, 
then  shall  our  night  be  turned  to  day :  The  dark- 
ness is  no  darkness  with  thee  ;  but  the  night  is  as 
clear  as  the  day  :  The  darkness  and  light  to  thee 


TRINITY   TO   ADVENT..  211 

are  both  alike.  O  Lord,  enter  not  into  judgment 
with  us,  thy  servants ;  for  in  thy  sight  shall  no 
man  be  justified.  But  we  cast  ourselves  upon  thy 
mercies  in  Christ  Jesus.  For  his  sake,  hear  the 
voice  of  our  humble  petitions,  when  we  cry  unto 
thee.  0  hide  not  thy  face,  nor  cast  away  thy 
servants  in  displeasure. 

We  bless  thee,  0  God,  for  all  the  mercies  hith- 
erto bestowed  upon  us ;  for  thy  preservation  and 
protection  during  the  past  day ;  and  for  all  the 
various  comforts  of  thy  providence  and  grace. 
The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  0  Lord,  and  thou 
givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Thou 
openest  thy  hand,  and  fillest  all  things  living  with 
plenteousness.  Thou  hast  made  us  glad  through 
thy  works ;  and  we  will  praise  thee  for  the  opera- 
tions of  thy  hands.  More  especially  heavenly 
Father,  we  bless  thee  for  thy  unspeakable  love,  in 
sending  thine  only  begotten  Son  into  the  world, 
to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins.  May  this  man- 
ifestation of  thy  great  goodness,  fill  us  with  grati- 
tude and  love  to  thee.  Endue  us  by  thy  grace, 
with  that  perfect  love  which  casteth  out  all  anxiety 
and  fear ;  that  as  dutiful  and  obedient  children 
we  may  commit  all  our  concerns,  in  holy  trust  and 
confidence,  to  thee.  May  we  lie  down  under  thy 
guardian  care,  and  take  our  rest  in  peace;  and 
may  we  rise  in  the  morning,  with  renewed  strength 
and  ability  to  perform  our  various  duties.  But,  0 
God,  we  beseech  thee,  make  us  deeply  sensible  of 
the  shortness  and  uncertaintv  of  human  life.    Let 


212  ♦  TRINITY   TO   ADVENT. 

US  remember,  that  thou  hast  made  our  days  as  it 
were  a  span  long,  and  that  our  age  is  nothing  in 
comparison  of  thee.  Let  us  remember,  that  in 
such  an  hour  as  we  think  not,  our  years  may  come 
to  an  end,  as  it  were  a  tale  that  is  told;  and  so 
teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply 
our  hearts  unto  wisdom,  that  whensoever  our 
Lord  shall  come  we  may  be  prepared  to  meet  him. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  hear  us ; 
and  grant  that  we,  to  whom  thou  hast  given  an 
hearty  desire  to  pray,  may,  by  thy  mighty  aid,  be 
defended  and  comforted  in  all  dangers  and  adver- 
sities, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in  whose  all- 
prevailing  words  we  sum  up  these  our  petitions ; — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 


Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  we  humble 
ourselves  before  thee,  as  helpless  and  unworthy 
sinners.  We  have  erred  and  strayed  from  thy 
ways,  like  lost  sheep.  If  we  say  that  we  have  no 
sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in 
us :  But,  0  God,  if  we  confess  our  sins  unto  thee, 
thou  art  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins, 
and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness.  We 
have  followed  too  much  the  devices  and  desires 
of  our  own  hearts.     We  have  offended  against 


TRINITY  TO   ADVENT.  •  218 

thj  holy  laws.  We  have  left  undone  those  things 
which  we  ought  to  have  done ;  and  we  have  done 
those  things  which  we  ought  not  to  have  done : 
And  there  is  no  health  in  us.  0  Lord,  be  thou 
merciful  unto  us,  miserable  offenders.  Spare  thy 
people,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  with  thy  most 
precious  blood,  and  be  not  angry  with  us  forever.. 
Make  us  truly  penitent  for  all  our  sins,  and  turn 
our  hearts  unto  thy  testimonies.  We  cast  all  our 
care  upon  thee ;  for  thou  carest  for  us.  Whom 
have  we  in  heaven  but  thee ;  and  whom  on  earth 
can  we  desire  in  comparison  of  thee.  When  our 
flesh  and  our  heart  fail,  thou  art  the  strength  of 
our  heart,  and  our  portion  forever.  Make  us 
sober  and  vigilant;  because  our  adversary,  the 
devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about,  seeking 
whom  he  may  devour.  Grive  us  grace  to  resist 
every  temptation,  and  to  shun  every  evil  way; 
and  ever  keep  us  steadfast  in  the  faith,  that  we 
may  hereafter  live  a  righteous .  and  godly  life,  to 
the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 

Let  us  go  forth  to  our  several  duties  this  day, 
under  the  care  and  protection  of  thy  good  provi- 
dence, and  the  guidance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Show 
us  thy  ways,  O  Lord,  and  incline  our  hearts  to  thy 
commandments.  May  we  love  thee,  the  Lord  our 
God,  supremely,  and  our  neighbor  as  ourselves. 
Endue  us  with  a  spirit  of  compassion  and  benevo- 
lence, and  guard  us  against  the  sin  of  covetousness, 
which  is  idolatry.  As  we  have  opportunity,  let 
us  do  good  unto  all  men,  especially  to  those  who 


214  TEINITY  TO   ADVENT. 

are  of  the  household  of  faith.  Let  us  not  lay  up 
for  ourselves  treasures  upon  earth,  where  moth 
and  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  break 
through  and  steal :  But  let  us  lay  up  for  ourselves 
treasures  in  heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor  rust 
doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break 
through  and  steal.  Preserve  us,  we  beseech  thee, 
in  health  and  peace,  and  defend  us  from  every 
danger ;  from  the  arrow  that  fiieth  by  day ;  from 
the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness ;  and  from 
the  sickness  that  wasteth  at  noon-day.  Be  thou  a 
present  Grod  to  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us ; 
and  especially  to  those  who  are  in  trouble,  sorrow, 
or  affliction.  Hearken  to  their  prayer,  when  they 
cry  unto  thee ;  fulfill  all  their  desires ;  and  help 
and  deliver  them,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Almighty  Grod,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at  this 
time,  with  one  accord  to  make  our  common  sup- 
plications unto  thee,  and  dost  promise  that  when 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  thy  name, 
thou  wilt  grant  their  requests ;  fulfill  now,  0  Lord, 
the  desires  and  petitions  of  us  thy  servants,  as 
may  be  most  expedient  for  us ;  granting  us  in 
this  world  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  in  the 
world  to  come  life  everlasting.  We  ask  for  all  in 
the  name,  and  for  the  sake,  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  in  whose  perfect  form  of  words  we  conclude 
our  petitions : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


TEINITY  TO   ADVENT.  215 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 

O  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  by  whose  al- 
mighty power  we  have  been  preserved  this  day, 
we  again  commit  ourselves  to  thy  holy  care  and 
keeping  this  night.  By  thy  great  mercy,  defend 
us  from  all  perils  and  dangers.  Spread  over  us 
the  shadow  of  thy  wings,  that  we  may  lie  down  in 
peace,  and  fear  no  evil.  Give  rest  to  our  wearied 
bodies,  and  tranquility  to  our  spirits,  that  our 
sleep  may  be  sweet,  and  our  slumbers  refreshing. 
And,  O  God,  make  all  thy  goodness  pass  before 
us,  that  we  may  remember  thee  on  our  bed,  and 
meditate  on  thee  in  the  night-watches.  Let  us 
commune  with  our  own  hearts,  and  make  us  faith- 
ful in  our  self-examination ;  remembering  always, 
that  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  thou,  O  God,  art 
greater  than  our  heart,  and  knowest  all  things. 

Pardon,  0  Lord,  all  the  sins  which  we  have 
committed  this  day.  Look  with  compassion  on 
our  weakness  and  infirmities.  Who  can  tell  how 
oft  he  oifendeth?  0  cleanse  thou  us  from  our 
secret  faults.  Keep  us  also  from  presumptuous 
sins,  lest  they  get  the  dominion  over  us.  O  re- 
member not  our  former  transgressions;  but  accord- 
ing to  thy  great  goodness,  show  us  the  light  of  thy 
countenance,  and  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Extend  thy  compassions,  heavenly  Father,  to 
the  whole  human  race.  Make  thy  way  known 
upon  earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  nations. 
Let  thy  gospel  be  published  in  all  the  world ;  and 


216  TRINITY   TO   ADVENT. 

let  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  be  preached 
to  all  people.  Cause  the  wicked  to  forsake  his 
way,  and  the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts.  May 
he  return  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  that  thou  may  est 
have  mercy  upon  him,  and  abundantly  pardon 
him.  Have  pity  especially  upon  those  who  are 
bowed  down  under  a  sense  of  their  sins ;  and  to 
whom  the  remembrance  of  them  is  grievous,  and 
the  burden  thereof  intolerable.  0  merciful  God, 
who  hast  written  thy  holy  word  for  our  learning, 
that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  scrip- 
tures might  have  hope,  give  to  those  who  are 
weary  and  heavy  laden,  a  right  understanding  of 
themselves,  and  of  thy  threats  and  promises ;  that 
they  may  neither  cast  away  their  confidence  in 
thee,  nor  place  it  anywhere  but  in  thee.  Give 
them  strength  against  all  their  temptations,  and 
help  all  their  infirmities :  Break  not  the  bruised 
reed,  nor  quench  the  smoking  flax :  Shut  not  up 
thy  tender  mercies  in  displeasure ;  but  make  them 
to  hear  of  joy  and  gladness,  that  the  broken  bones 
may  rejoice,  and  the  heavy  heart  be  lifted  up: 
Deliver  them  from  fear  of  the  enemy,  and  lift  up 
the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  them,  and  give 
them  peace,  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Be  gracious,  0  God,  to  all  our  relatives  and 
friends.  Grant  unto  them  and  us,  all  the  benefits 
and  privileges  of  thy  great  salvation.  May  we  all 
be  one,  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  gospel ; 


TRINITY  TO  ADVENT.  217 

that  Christ  may  be  in  us,  and  we  in  him,  and  both 
in  thee,  through  his  all-sufS.cient  atonement  and 
intercession. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  grace,  &c. 


THURSDAY  MORNIN(J. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven :]  Let  us  come 
mto  thy  presence,  as  dutiful  children,  and  cry  unto 
thee  in  the  true  spirit  of  adoption.  And,  0  God, 
hear  thou  in  heaven,  thy  dwelling  place,  and 
accept  our  supplications,  and  grant  our  petitions, 
for  thy  dear  Son's  sake. 

Hallowed  he  thy  name.]  From  the  rising  of 
the  sun,  even  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same,  be 
thy  name  exalted ;  and  in  every  place  may  incense 
be  offered  unto  thy  name,  and  a  pure  offering; 
that  thy  name  may  be  great  among  the  nations. 

Thy  kingdom  come.]     In  the  day  of  thy  power, 

may  the  people  offer  thee  free-will  offerings,  with 

an  holy  worship.     Hasten  the  day,  0  Lord,  when 

every  knee  shall  bow  to  thy  sceptre,  and  every 

tongue  confess  thy  righteousness.     Grant  that  all 

men  may  walk  in  thy  fear ;  that  the  dominion  of 

the  Prince  of  Peace  may  extend  throughout  the 

world;   and  that  the  earth  may  be  full  of  the 
19 


218  TRINITY   TO    ADVENT. 

knowledge  of   tlie   Lord,   as   the   waters    cover 
the  sea. 

Thy  will  be  done,  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.] 
Thou  alone  canst  order  the  unruly  wills  and 
affections  of  sinful  men.  Grant  unto  us  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  we  may  love  the  thing  which  thou 
commandest,  and  desire  that  which  thou  dost 
promise.  As  all  the  heavenly  host  delight  to  do 
thy  will;  so  may  we,  thy  unworthy  servants,  be 
enabled,  through  thy  grace,  to  walk  in  the  way 
of  thy  commandments,  and  to  submit  to  all  thy 
righteous  dealings;  that  after  we  have  done  thy 
will  on  earth,  we  may  be  received,  according  to 
thy  promise,  to  glorify  thee  in  heaven. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.]  Thou  open- 
est  thine  hand,  0  God,  and  fillest  all  things  living 
with  plenteousness.  Supply,  we  beseech  thee,  all 
our  temporal  and  spiritual  necessities.  Sustain 
our  perishing  bodies  from  day  to  day,  and  feed 
our  souls  with  the  bread  of  life — even  that  bread 
of  God,  which  cometh  down  from  heaven,  and 
giveth  life  unto  the  world. 

And  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive 
those  who  trespass  against  us.]  According  to  the 
measure  of  our  forbearance  and  forgiveness  to 
others,  may  we  hope,  to  be  forgiven  of  thee. 
Make  us  kind  and  compassionate,  tender-hearted, 
forgiving  one  another,  even  as  thou,  for  Christ's 
sake,  hast  forgiven  us. 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation.]  Put  away 
from  us,  we  beseech  thee,  all  the  deceitful  allure- 


TRINITY  TO   ADVENT.  219 

ments  of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil ;  that 
we  walk  not  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly ;  nor 
stand  in  the  way  of  sinners ;  nor  sit  in  the  seat  of 
the  scornful.  Purify  our  hearts  from  those  inor- 
dinate and  sinful  desires  and  affections,  by  which 
we  are  drawn  away  and  enticed.  Suffer  us  not  to 
be  tempted  above  that  we  are  able ;  but,  with 
every  temptation,  do  thou,  in  infinite  mercy,  make 
a  way  for  us  to  escape.  0  blessed  Jesus,  who 
hast  thyself  suffered,  and  wast  in  all  points  tempted 
like  as  we  are,  thou  art  able  to  succor  them  that 
are  tempted.  Keep  us  in  the  hour  of  trial ;  save 
us  from  every  snare ;  and  bear  us  above  all  the 
crafts  and  assaults  of  the  adversary. 

Deliver  us  from  evil.]  O  Lord,  our  God,  who 
alone  art  able  to  deliver  us,  our  only  trust  is  in 
thee.  Thou  art  a  defence  for  the  oppressed ;  even 
a  refuge  in  every  time  of  trouble.  Incline  thine 
ear  unto  us,  and  save  us.  Be  thou  our  strong 
hold,  whereunto  we  may  always  resort ;  our  house 
of  defence,  and  our  castle.  Let  no  evil  happen 
unto  us,  nor  any  plague  come  nigh  our  dwelling. 
Deliver  us  from  all  the  calamities  of  this  life ;  from 
the  pains  of  disease;  from  trouble,  sorrow,  and 
affliction :  And,  above  all,  deliver  us  from  the 
bondage  of  corruption ;  from  the  slavery  of  sin ; 
and  from  everlasting  condemnation. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

And  to  thee,  with  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Grhost, 
be  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
forever  and  ever.    Amen, 


220  TEINITY  TO   ADVENT. 

THURSDAY  EVENING. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

0  merciful  God  and  heavenly  Father,  who 
makest  the  returns  of  the  morning  and  evening  to 
praise  thee,  we  acknowledge  thy  great  goodness^  in 
preserving  our  lives,  and  in  bringing  us  to  the 
close  of  this  day  in  peace  and  safety.  Every  day 
dost  thou  manifest  thy  loving  kindness,  and  every 
night  we  are  bound  to  offer  up  our  praises  unto 
thee.  Let  our  prayer  now  come  before  thee  as 
incense ;  and  let  the  lifting  up  of  our  hands  be 
accepted  of  thee  as  an  evening  sacrifice. 

We  humbly  confess,  0  God,  the  sins  and  ini- 
quities of  this  day.  How  often  have  we  violated 
thy  holy  precepts  and  commandments !  How  many 
duties  have  we  neglected!  If  thou.wert  extreme 
to  mark  what  is  done  amiss,  who  could  abide  thy 
indignation !  But  we  know  that  thou  art  gracious 
and  merciful,  long-suffering,  and  full  of  compas- 
sion. We  cast  ourselves  upon  thy  mercies  in 
Christ  Jesus ;  beseeching  thee  to  look  down  upon 
us,  in  thy  wonted  pity  and  forbearance.  Have 
mercy  upon  us,  after  thy  abundant  goodness- 
according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies,  do 
away  our  offences.  Draw  nigh  unto  us,  and  save 
us  from  our  sins.  Give  unto  us  that  peace  which 
the  world  can  never  give ;  that  we  may  go  to  our 
rest  in  perfect  charity  with  all  men ;  with  con- 
sciences void  of  offence,  and  with  perfect  trust  and 
confidence  in  thee.     May  we  dwell  securely  under 


TRINITY  TO  ADVENT.  221 

the  defence  of  the  Most  High ;  and  abide  in  safety 
under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty :  And,  being 
protected  from  every  peril  and  danger,  may  we 
pass  the  night  in  rest  and  quietness ;  through  the 
merits  of  our  only  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

To  thee,  0  gracious  God,  and  to  thy  tender 
mercies,  we  commend  ourselves  and  all  for  whom 
it  is  our  duty  and  our  desire  to  pray.  Eemember 
with  favor  the  Church,  which  thy  blessed  Son 
hast  purchased  with  his  own  precious  blood.  Send 
forth  among  its  members  a  spirit  of  grace  and 
supplication,  that  they  may  so  confess  Jesus  Christ 
before  men,  that  he  may  finally  confess  them  before 
thy  throne  in  heaven.  Enlighten  the  ignorant, 
awaken  the  careless  and  negligent,  sustain  and 
direct  the  humble  and  contrite  soul,  and  bring  all 
men  to  the  obedience  of  the  gospel.  To  our  dear 
friends,  relatives,  and  neighbors  extend  thy  mer- 
cies, both  temporal  and  spiritual.  Bless  them 
with  health  and  prosperity ;  or,  if  thou  shalt  see 
fit  to  visit  them  with  trouble,  sanctify  and  over- 
rule all  their  sorrows  and  adversities,  to  their 
present  and  eternal  good.  Above  all,  make  them 
wise  unto  salvation,  that  they  may  partake  of  the 
consolations  of  thy  spirit  here,  and  finally  attain 
to  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

0  thou,  who  art  the  way,  the  truth  and  the  life, 
open  unto  us" the  path  to  heaven,  enlighten  our 
minds  with  the  beams  of  eternal  truth,  and  after 
the  trials  and  perils  of  this  life  are  over,  bring  us 

ITJHI7BRSITY 


222  TEINITY   TO   ADVENT. 

at  last  into  thy  presence,  where  there  is  fullness 
of  joy,  and  to  thy  right  hand,  where  there  are 
pleasures  forevermore.  And  to  thee,  0  blessed 
Saviour,  with  the^  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
all  the  glory  and  praise,  world  without  end. 
Amen, 

The  grace,  &c. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

0  God,  the  Father  of  heaven,  have  mercy  upon 
us,  miserable  sinners.  0  God,  the  Son,  Redeemer 
of  the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us.  0  God,  the 
Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the 
Son,  have  mercy  upon  us.  O  holy,  blessed,  and 
glorious  Trinity,  three  persons  and  one  God,  have 
mercy  upon  us. 

O  Lord,  remember  not  our  offences,  nor  the 
offences  of  our  forefathers,  neither  take  thou  ven- 
geance of  our  sins.  Spare  us,  good  Lord,  spare 
thy  people,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  with  thy 
most  precious  blood,  and  be  not  angry  with  us 
forever. 

Deliver  us,  0  Lord,  from  all  evil  and  mischief; 
from  sin;  from  the  crafts  and  assaults  of  the 
devil;  from  thy  wrath,  and  from  everlasting 
damnation:  From  all  blindness  of  heart;  from 
pride,    vain-glory,    and    hypocrisy;    from   envy, 


TRINITY  TO   ADVENT.  223 

hatred,  and  malice,  and  all  uncharitableness : 
From  all  inordinate  and  sinful  affections;  and 
from  all  the  deceits  of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and 
the  devil:  From  lightning  and  tempest;  from 
plague,  pestilence,  and  famine;  from  battle  and 
murder,  and  from  sudden  death:  From  all  sedi- 
tion, privy  conspiracy,  and  rebellion ;  from  all 
false  doctrine,  heresy,  and  schism  ;  from  hardness 
of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  word  and  command- 
ment. 

By  the  mystery  of  thy  holy  Incarnation ;  by 
thy  holy  ISTativity  and  Circumcision;  by  thy 
Baptism,  Fasting,  and  Temptation;  by  thine 
Agony  and  Bloody  .  Sweat ;  by  thy  Cross  and 
Passion  ;  by  thy  precious  Death  and  Burial ;  by 
thy  glorious  Resurrection  and  Ascension ;  and  by 
the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  good  Lord  de- 
liver us. 

In  all  time  of  our  tribulation  ;  in  all  time  of  our 
prosperity ;  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  day 
of  judgment,  good  Lord  deliver  us. 

O  Lord,  arise,  help  us,  and  deliver  us,  for  thy 
name's  sake.  Deal  not  with  us  according  to  our 
sins,  neither  reward  us  according  to  our  iniquities. 
Favorably  with  mercy  hear  our  prayers ;  and  be- 
hold in  pity  the  sorrows  of  our  hearts. 

O  God,  merciful  Father,  who  despisest  not  the 
sighing  of  a  contrite  heart,  nor  the  desire  of  such 
as  are  sorrowful;  mercifully  assist  our  prayers, 
which  we  make  before  thee  at  all  times,  and  espe- 
cially  in  our  troubles  and  adversities,  whensoever 


224  TRINITY   TO    ADVENT. 

they  oppress  us;  and  graciously  hear  us,  that 
those  evils  which  the  craft  and  subtlety  of  the 
devil  or  man  worketh  against  us,  may,  by  thy 
good  providence,  be  brought  to  nought ;  that  we, 
thy  servants,  being  hurt  by  no  persecutions,  may 
evermore  give  thanks  to  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Unto  God's  gracious  mercy  and  protection,  we 
now  commit  ourselves,  and  all  our  friends,  rela- 
tives, and  brethren.  O  Lord,  bless  us  and  keep 
us :  Make  thy  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  gra- 
cious unto  us :  Lift  up  thy  countenance  upon  us, 
and  give  us  peace,  both  now  and  evermore.  Amen, 


FRIDAY  Evening. 


Our  Father,  &c. 

0  Lord  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  we  sinners 
do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  and  grant  all  that  we 
call  upon  thee  for,  in  the  name  of  thy  beloved 
Son.  May  it  please  thee,  to  rule  and  govern  thy 
Holy  Church  universal,  to  thy  glory,  and  the  good 
of  thy  people.  Bless  and  preserve  all  Christian 
rulers  and  magistrates ;  giving  them  grace  to  exe- 
cute justice,  and  to  maintain  truth:  Illuminate  all 
Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons,  with  true  knowledge 
and  understanding  of  thy  word ;  that  both  by 
their  preaching  and  living,  they  may  set  it  forth, 


TRINITY   TO   ADVENT.  225 

and  show  it  accordingly :  Bless  and  keep  all  thy 
people :  Give  to  all  nations  unity,  peace,  a.nd  con- 
trol :  Give  ns  an  heart  to  love  and  fear  thee,  and 
diligently  to  live  after  thy  commandments  :  Give 
to  all  thy  people  increase  of  grace,  to  hear  meekly 
thy  word,  and  to  receive  it  with  pure  affection^ 
and  to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  thy  Spirit.  Bring 
into  the  way  of  truth  all  such  as  have  erred  and 
are  deceived :  Strengthen  such  as  do  Stand,  and 
comfort  and  help  the  weak-hearted,  and  raise  up 
those  who  fall,  and  finally  beat  down  Satan  under 
our  feet:  Succor,  help,  and  comfort,  all  who  are 
in  danger,  necessity,  or  tribulation:  Preserve  all 
who  travel  by  land  or  by  water ;  all  sick  persons, 
and  young  children  ;  and  show  thy  pity  upon  all 
prisoners  and  captives:  Defend  and  provide  for 
the  fatherless  children,  and  widows,  and  all  who 
are  desolate  and  oppressed.:  Have  mercy  upon  all 
men:  Forgive  our  enemies,  persecutors,  and  slan- 
derers, and  turn  their  hearts :  Give  and  preserve 
to  our  use,  the  kindly  fruits  of  the  earth,  so  that 
in  due  time  we  may  enjoy  them ;  Give  us  true 
repentance,  forgive  us  all  our  sins,  negligences, 
and  ignorances  ;  and  endue  us  with  the  grace  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  amend  our  lives,  according  to 
thy  holy  word. 

Son  of  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  hear  us.  O 
Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  grant  us  thy  peace.  0  Lamb  of  God,  who 
takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 


226  TRINITY  TO   ADVENT. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  humbly  beseech  thee,  O  Father,  mercifully 
to  look  upon  our  infirmities ;  and,  for  the  glory  of 
thy  name,  turn  from  us  all  those  evils  that  we 
most  justly  have  deserved ;  and  grant,  that  in  all 
our  troubles,  trials  and  necessities,  we  may  put 
our  whole  trust  and  confidence  in  thy  mercy,  and 
evermore  serve  thee  in  holiness  and  pureness  of 
living;  to  thy  honor  and  glory,  through  our  only 
Mediator  and  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  grace,  &c. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 


0  God,  thou  art  our  God,  early  will  we  seek 
thee.  Thy  mercies  are  new  every  morning ;  and 
every  morning  will  we  direct  our  prayer  unto 
thee.  Unworthy  sinners  as  we  are,  it  is  good  for 
us  to  draw  near  unto  thee ;  and  wilt  thou,  O  God, 
in  infinite  condescension,  draw  near  unto  us  and 
hearken  to  our  supplications.  We  seek  for  mercy 
and  forgiveness,  only  through  the  merits  and 
intercession  of  thy  beloved  Son. 

We  beseech  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  grant  us 
thy  constant  guidance,  counsel  and  support,  that 
through  the  help  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  we  .may  obey 
thy  commandments,  and  faithfully  follow  thy  pre- 
cepts. Show  us  the  way  in  which  we  should 
walk,  for  we  lift  up  our  souls  unto  thee. 


TRINITY   TO   ADVENT.  227 

0  God,  if  thou  shouldst  see  fit,  in  thine  infinite 
wisdom,  to  visit  us  with  pain,  or  sickness,  or  sor- 
row, be  thou  our  ever  present  solace  and  refuge, 
and  heal  our  diseases,  and  help  our  infirmities,  or 
give  us  grace  so  to  take  thy  visitation,  that  we 
may  submit  with  patience  and  resignation  to  every 
dispensation  of  thy  hand.  Let  us  hear  of  thy 
loving  kindness  at  all  times,  for  in  thee  is  our  trust. 

If  poverty  and  want  should  be  our  lot,  be  thou, 
0  God,  our  portion  and  inheritance.  Let  us  re- 
member that  thy  blessed  Son  was  contented  to 
become  poor  and  destitute,  that  he  might  make 
many  rich,  and  that  he  is  able  to  afford  help  and 
deliverance  in  every  time  of  need.  Teach  us  to 
endure  all  things  for  his  sake,  that  our  treasures 
may  be  laid  up  in  heaven,  and  that  our  hearts 
may  be  fixed  on  things  above,  where  alone  true 
joys  are  to  be  found.  Or  if  thou  shouldst  bestow 
upon  us  the  rich  bounties  of  thy  providence,  keep 
us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  all  presumptuous  sins ; 
from  pride,  and  arrogancy,  and  self-dependence, 
from  forgetfulness  of  thee;  and  from  all  those 
hurtful  lusts  and  passions,  which  war  against  the 
soul.  May  we  be  clothed  with  humility ;  always 
remembering,  that  God  resisteth  the  proud,  and 
giveth  grace  to  the  humble.  0  thou  from  whom 
Cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  give  us  a 
grateful  sense  of  all  thy  mercies,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  merciful  God,  if  it  please  thee,  bring  us  in 


228  TKINITY  TO   ADVENT. 

peace  and  safety  to  the  close  of  this  day,  and  ena- 
ble us  again  to  cast  ourselves,  and  all  our  concerns, 
upon  thy  goodness  and  mercy.  And  when  all  the 
days  of  our  pilgrimage  shall  be  ended ;  when  our 
probation  shall  be  brought  to  a  close;  when 
all  our  earthly  labors,  and  cares,  and  joys,  and 
sorrows,  shall  cease,  0  blessed  Jesus,  shed  thy 
heavenly  radiance  round  our  dying  bed ;  place 
underneath  us  thine  everlasting  arms,  and  enable 
us,  by  thy  blessed  Spirit,  to  enter  those  mansions 
in  thy  Father's  house,  which  thou  hast  gone  to 
prepare  for  those  that  love  thee. 

We  ask  for  all  in  thy  name,  and  in  the  form  of 
words  which  thou  hast  taught  thy  disciples  to 
use : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING. 


Our  Father,  «&c. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  always 
more  ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  art  wont 
to  give  more  than  we  either  desire  or  deserve,  we 
bless  thee,  we  praise  thee,  for  all  the  mercies  be- 
stowed upon  us  this  day.  It  is  a  good  thing  to 
give  thanks  unto  thee,  0  Lord;  to  tell  of  thy 
loving  kindness  early  in  the  morning,  and  of  thy 
truth  in  the  night  season.  We  will  thank  thee 
with  all  our  hearts ;  we  will  praise  thy  name  for- 


TRINITY  TO  ADVENT.  229 

evermore.  Every  hour  that  thou  addest  to  our 
lives,  is  a  monument  of  thy  wondrous  love ;  every 
day  bears  testimony  of  thy  providential  care. 

But  we  acknowledge,  0  God,  with  shame  and 
3onfusion  of  face,  our  hardness  and  ingratitude. 
How  thoughtless,  how  regardless  are  we  of  thy 
mercies  !  How  often*  do  we  neglect  our  duties ; 
how  often  do  we  wander  from  the  way  of  thy 
commandments !  For  how  many  sinful  thoughts, 
and  words,  and  works,  must  we  render  an  account 
this  night !  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  now  bring  our 
offences  to  remembrance,  that  we  may  confess 
them  before  thee,  and  seek  forgiveness  at  thy 
hands.  Thou  art  nigh  unto  them  that  art  of  a 
contrite  heart,  and  wilt  save  such  as  be  of  an 
humble  spirit.  Put  us  not  to  rebuke,  0  Lord,  in 
thine  anger ;  neither  chasten  us  in  thy  heavy  dis- 
pleasure. May  we  have  an  Advocate  with  the 
Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  Eighteous  ;  and  through 
his  propitiation,  may  we,  now  and  ever,  find  ac- 
ceptance at  thy  throne. 

We  offer  our  humble  supplications  unto  thee,  O 
heavenly  Father,  for  all  our  relatives  and  friends. 
Make  them  partakers  of  thy  grace ;  that  they  may 
love  and  serve  thee,  with  all  their  heart,  and  soul, 
and  mind,  and  strength  ;  and  that  all  things  may 
work  together  for  their  present  and  eternal  good. 
Provide,  we  besech  thee,  for  the  spiritual  and 
temporal  necessities  of  all  men.  Lead  them  forth 
in  thy  truth,  and  learn  them  the  way  of  salvation. 
Let  the  blessed  beams  of  thy  gospel  extend  to  all 
20 


230  TRINITY  TO   ADVENT. 

the  borders  of  the  earth,  that  the  Gentiles  may 
come  to  its  light,  and  the  nations  of  the  world  to 
the  brightness  of  its  rising. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

O  God,  be  thou  our  ever  present  protector 
and  guide.  In  all  the  vicissitudes  of  life,  may  we 
keep  our  eye  steadfastly  fixed  on  the  promised 
inheritance  of  the  faithful:  And  as  days  and 
weeks  pass  away,  may  we  feel  that  eternity  is 
approaching.  May  the  gathering  shades  of  night, 
remind  us  of  the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death.  May  we  so  prepare  ourselves  for  our 
bodily  repose,  that  our  souls  also  may  be  at  peace 
with  thee.  And  if  we  be  not  permitted  to  behold 
the  dawn  of  another  Sabbath  in  this  world,  be 
thou  with  us,  0  blessed  Jesus ;  show  us  the  path 
of  life ;  and  let  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  support  and 
comfort  us.  May  we  sleep  in  thee ;  may  our  flesh 
rest  in  hope ;  and  may  we  finally  awake  on  the 
morning  of  that  Eternal  Sabbath,  whose  sun  shall 
never  set ;  whose  joys  shall  never  end. 

All  which  we  ask,  for  the  sake,  and  through 
the  merits,  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  blessed  Lord  and 
Saviour.     Amen, 

The  grace,  &c. 


TBINITY  TO  ADYENT.  231 

MORNING  OF  THE  FOURTH  OF  JULY. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  in  all  ages  made 
known  thy  power  and  mercy,  in  the  gracious 
deliverance  and  protection  of  states  and  empires, 
and  hast  visited  us  of  old,  and  beyond  other  na- 
tions, with  many  temporal  and  spiritual  blessings ; 
we  yield  thee  our  unfeigned  thanks  and  praise,  as 
well  for  thy  many  other  great  and  public  mercies, 
so  especially  for  that  signal  and  wonderful  deliv- 
erance which  we  this  day  commemorate.  Thou 
hast  done  marvellous  things  for  us,  whereof  we 
are  glad.  We  praise  thee;  we  bless  thee;  we 
magnify  thee ;  for  thou  hast  triumphed  gloriously. 
With  thine  own  right  hand,  and  with  thy  mighty 
arm,  hast  ihou  gotten  to  thyself  the  victory. 
Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  greatness,  and  the  power, 
and  the  glory,  and  the  majesty,  and  the  victory. 
Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  thou  art  exalted  as 
head  over  all.  Thou  doest  what  thou  wilt  in  the 
armies  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth,  and  none  may  stay  thy  hand.  0  Lord 
of  Hosts;  0  Grod  of  battles;  who  is  like  unto 
thee,  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing 
wonders ! 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  to  pour  down  upon 
the  inhabitants  of  this  land,  the  spirit  of  unfeigned 
gratitude  and  love  for  all  thy  mercies  towards  us. 


282  TRINITY  TO  ADVENT. 

Let  tlie  people  praise  thee,  O  God;  let  all  the 
people  praise  thee. 

And  grant  that  they  may  show  forth  thy  praise, 
not  only  with  their  lips,  but  in  their  lives.  Pre- 
serve them  from  all  profane  and  unholy  rejoicings, 
lest  they  draw  down  upon  us  a  curse,  and  not  a 
blessing ;  and  lest  the  things  which  should  have 
been  for  our  good,  prove  unto  us  an  occasion  of 
falling. 

Grant  us  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to  use  thy 
blessings  as  we  ought,  with  devout  gratitude  to 
thee,  our  God ;  with  zeal  for  thy  glory,  and  sub- 
mission to  thy  will ;  with  a  faithful  adherence  to 
the  gospel  of  thy  Son;  with  obedience  to  our 
rulers  for  conscience  sake,  as  thy  ministers  for 
good ;  with  moderation  and  humility ;  with  justice 
and  purity ;  with  charity,  forbearance,  and  broth- 
erly love;  that  amidst  these  and  all  thy  blessings, 
we  may  seek  thy  glory,  and  the  increase  of  thy 
kingdom,  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 

The  Lord  bless  us,  and  keep  us!  The  Lord 
make  his  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  gracious 
unto  us !  The  Lord  lift  up  the  light  of  his  coun- 
tenance upon  us  and  give  us  peace,  both  now  and 
evermore.    Amen, 


TRINITY  TO  ADVENT.  ^  233 

THANKSGIVING  DAY-MORNING. 

[To  be  used   on  the  first  Thursday  of  November,  or   on  such  other  day  as 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  civil  authorities.] 

Most  gracious  God,  by  whose  unspeakable 
mercy  we  are  again  permitted  to  present  the  an- 
nual tribute  of  our  thanks  and  praise,  we  bless 
thee  for  the  continual  manifestations  of  thy  good- 
ness to  us  and  to  all  the  children  of  men.  By  thy 
wisdom,  0  Lord,  thou  hast  founded  the  earth ;  by 
understanding  thou  hast  established  the  heavens ; 
by  thy  knowledge  the  depths  are  broken  up,  and 
the  clouds  drop  down  the  dew.  We  bless  thee 
for  the  return  of  seed-time  and  harvest,  and  for 
crowning  the  year  with  the  bounties  of  thy  provi- 
dence. We  praise  thee  for  all  thy  gracious  deal- 
ings towards  us,  and  we  beseech  thee,  of  thy  great 
goodness,  to  receive  the  thank-offerings  with 
which  we  come  before  thee  this  day. 

We  acknowledge,  heavenly  Father,  the  imper- 
fection of  our  best  services.  We  confess  that  we 
are  sinners  before  thee,  and  altogether  unworthy 
of  thy  mercies.  But  we  know  that  thou  art  kind 
and  beneficent,  even  to  the  unthankful  and  the 
evil.  Thou  makest  thy  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and 
on  the  good,  and  sendest  rain  on  the  just  and  on 
the  unjust.  Give  us  a  due  sense  of  thy  wonderful 
condescension  and  forbearance,  that  our  hearts 
may  be  moved  to  penitence  and  contrition  for  our 
past  negligence  and  sin,  and  excited  to  new  dili- 
gence, zeal,  and  devotion,  for  the  future. 
20* 


234  TRINITY   TO   ADVENT. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  pour  down  upon 
the  inhabitants  of  this  knd,  the  spirit  of  unfeigned 
gratitude  and  love  for  all  thj  mercies.  May  they 
enter  thy  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  thy  courts 
with  praise.  May  they  honor  thee  with  all  their 
substance,  and  with  the  first  fruits  of  all  their  in- 
crease. And  grant  that  they  may  show  forth  their 
devotion  to  thee,  not  only  with  their  hps,  but  also 
in  their  lives.  Preserve  them  from  the  unholy 
rejoicings  of  the  sensual  and  profane ;  restrain 
every  sinful  and  intemperate  indulgence;  and 
grant  us  all  grace,  heavenly  Father,  to  use  thy 
blessings  without  abusing  them ;  with  zeal  for  thy 
glory;  submission  to  thy  will,  and  a  faithful  ad- 
herence to  the  gospel  of  thy  Son ;  with  moderation 
and  humility;  with  justice  and  purity ;  with  char- 
ity, forbearance,  and  brotherly  love ;  that  amidst 
these  and  all  thy  blessings,  we  may  seek  thy  glory 
and  the  increase  of  thy  kingdom. 

Fill  our  hearts,  0  God,  with  a  spirit  of  tender- 
ness and  compassion  for  all  around  us.  May  we 
rejoice  with  those  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with 
those  that  weep.  May  we  be  ready  to  impart  of 
the  abundance  which  thou  hast  given  us,  to  the 
poor  and  needy ;  the  distressed  and  the  afflicted ; 
the  widow  and  the  fatherless ;  and  thus  fulfill  the 
law  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  before  God  and 
the  Father. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

Grant  us,  heavenly  Father,  a  continuance  of  all 
thy  mercies,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in 


TRINITY  TO   ADVENT.  286 

whose  all  prevailing  name  and  words  we  sum  up 
our  petitions : — 
Our  Father,  &c. 


THANKSGIVING  DAY-EVENING. 

0  Lord,  our  Governor,  how  excellent  is'  thy 
name  in  all  the  world;  thou  that  hast  set  thy 
glory  above  the  heavens  !  We  will  consider  the 
works  of  thy  hands ;  the  heavens  which  thou  hast 
made;  the  moon  and  the  stars  which  thou  hast 
ordained.  What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of 
him?  And  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest 
him  ?  Thou  makest  him  to  have  dominion  over 
the  works  of  thy  hands ;  and  thou  hast  put  all 
things  in  subjection  under  his  feet ;  all  sheep  and 
oxen  ;  yea,  and  the  beasts  of  the  field ;  the  fowls 
of  the  air,  and  the  fishes  of  the  sea ;  and  whatso- 
ever walketh  through  the  paths  of  the  seas.  O 
Lord,  our  Governor,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in 
all  the  world  I 

We  praise  thee,  O  Lord ;  for  it  is  good  to  sing 
praises  unto  our  God ;  for  it  is  pleasant,  and  praise 
is  comely.  We  thank  thee  for  all  thy  manifold 
blessings;  for  the  dispensation  of  thy  grace, 
through  the  mediation  of  thy  blessed  Son  ;  for  the 
bounties  of  thy  providence ;  for  the  plenty  with 
which  thou  hast  crowned  the  labors  of  the  hus- 
bandman ;  for  the  preservation  of  our  health  ;  for 


286  TRINITY   TO    ADVENT. 

the  reign  of  peace,  and  for  the  enjoyment  of  our 
civil  and  religious  liberties.  We  thank  thee  for 
the  comforts  and  privileges,  of  which  we  have 
been  permitted  to  partake  this  day.  We  acknow- 
ledge thy  hand  in  every  mercy,  and  desire  to  ren- 
der back  to  thee  the  homage  of  gratitude  and  love. 
We  acknowledge  that  every  good  gift,  and  every 
perfect  gift,  is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from 
the  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variableness, 
neither  shadow  of  turning.  But  we  confess  unto 
thee,  O  God,  that  our  souls  are  burdened  with 
iniquity ;  that  we  are  frail  and  erring  creatures ; 
that  our  hearts  are  corrupt,  and  that  our  hands 
are  not  clean  in  thy  sight.  Look  with  pity  and 
compassion  upon  all  that  we  have  thought,  or  said, 
or  done,  amiss  this  day.  Be  present  with  us,  as 
we  now  present  our  supplications  unto  thee ;  and 
through  the  intercession  of  thy  dear  Son,  grant 
unto  us  the  pardon  of  all  our  sins.  Give  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  to  comfort  the  troubled  mind,  and  soothe 
the  pains,  and  wipe  away  the  stains  of  guilt. 
May  we  retire  to  rest,  in  perfect  charity  with  all 
men.  May  we  be  enabled,  through  thy  help,  to 
love  our  enemies ;  to  bless  them  that  curse  us  ;  to 
do  good  to  them  that  hate  us ;  and  pray  for  them 
which  despitefully  use  us  and  persecute  us ;  that 
we  may  be  the  children  of  our  Father,  who  art  in 
heaven. 

[Occasional  Prayers,  &c.] 

We  now  commit  all  our  concerns  to  thee,  0 
God,  for  the  year  to  come.     Grant  us  thy  bless- 


TEINITY  TO  ADVENT.  237 

ings,  both  temporal  and  spiritual,  for  Jesus  Chrisf  s 
sake,  to  whom,  with  thee,  0  Father,  and  the  Holj 
Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Unto  God's  gracious  mercy  and  protection,  we 
commit  ourselves.  The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep 
us.  The  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  us, 
and  be  gracious  unto  us.  The  Lord  lift  up  his 
countenance  upon  us,  and  give  us  peace,  both  now 
and  evermore.    Amen, 


I 


OCCASIONAL 

PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS. 

TO    BE    USED 

IN  CONNECTION   WITH  THE   OTHER  DEVOTIONS. 


fraj^r^. 


FOR  COMMUNION  DAY-MORNING. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  whosoever  on  this  day  shall 
approach  thy  holy  altar,  and  partake  of  the  blessed 
sacrament  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  may 
receive  these  instituted  memorials  of  the  Saviour's 
love,  with  faith,  charity,  and  true  repentance ;  and 
being  filled  with  thy  grace  and  heavenly  benedic- 
tion, may,  to  their  great  and  endless  comfort,  ob- 
tain remission  of  sin,  and  all  other  benefits  of  his 
passion. 

OR    THIS. 

Grant  us  grace,  0  heavenly  Father,  to  prepare 
our  hearts  for  a  due  reception  of  the  holy  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper.  May  we  truly  and 
earnestly  repent  of  our  sins.  May  we  cherish  a 
spirit  of  love  and  charity  towards  our  neighbors. 


240  OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS. 

May  we  resolve,  by  tliy  help,  to  lead  a  new  life, 
following  thy  commandments,  and  walking  from 
henceforth  in  thy  righteous  ways.  May  we  wash 
our  hands  in  innocency,  and  so  may  we  draw  near 
in  faith  to  thy  holy  altar,  and  take  the  blessed 
sacrament  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  to  our 
great  and  endless  comfort. 


AFTER  BAPTISM. 


Grant,  O  Lord,  that  the  child  this  day  dedicated 
to  thee,  and  adopted  into  thy  Church  by  baptism, 
may  be  sanctified  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  delivered 
from  thy  wrath  and  eternal  death,  and  received  as 
a  living  member  of  Christ's  mystical  body,  and 
ever  remain  in  the  number  of  thy  faithful  children. 


AFTER  CONFIRMATION. 

We  commend  to  thy  mercy  and  grace,  heavenly 
Father,  all  those  thy  servants,  who  have  this  day, 
in  their  own  persons,  renewed  the  promises  and 
vows  which  they  made,  or  vrhich  were  made  for 
them  by  their  sureties  in  baptism,  and  who  have 
been  confirmed  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of 
the  Bishop.  Direct,  sanctify,  and  govern,  their 
hearts  and  bodies  in  the  ways  of  thy  laws,  and  in 
the  works  of  thy  commandments;    and   defend 


OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS.  '241 

them,  0  Lord,  with  thy  heavenly  grace,  that  they 
may  continue  thine  forever,  and  daily  increase  in 
thy  Holy  Spirit  more  and  more,  until  they  come 
unto  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 


AFTER  MARRIAGE. 


O  Eternal  God,  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all 
mankind,  giver  of  all  spiritual  grace,  the  author 
of  everlasting  life ;  send  thy  blessing,  we  beseech 
thee,  upon  thy  servants  who  have  this  day  been 
united  together  in  holy  matrimony.  May  they 
faithfully  perform  and  keep  their  solemn  vow 
and  covenant,  and  ever  remain  in  perfect  love  and 
peace  together,  and  live  according  to  thy  laws, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  THE  CHILDREN  OF  A  FAMILY. 

Be  thou,  O  God,  a  father  and  friend  to  the 
children  of  this  family.  Lead  them  by  thy  provi- 
dence through  the  dangers  and  temptations  of 
their  youth,  that  they  may  neither  run  into  folly, 
nor  give  way  to  unbridled  passions  or  appetites. 
Be  pleased  so  to  order  the  events  of  their  lives, 
that  by  wholesome  instruction  and  prudent  exam- 
ple, and  by  thy  restraining  grace,  they  may  be 

trained  up  to  serve  thee  faithfully,  in  the  midst 
21 


242  OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS. 

of  an  evil  world ;  and,  after  an  holy  and  useful 
life,  may  come  to  a  peaceful  and  happy  death ; 
and  may  be  made  heirs  with  Christ  in  the  glories 
of  his  heavenly  kingdom. 


FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOLS. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  thy  heavenly  grace,  to  the 
Sunday  Schools  and  other  institutions  for  the  reli- 
gious instruction  of  the  children  and  youth  of  thy 
flock.  Make  the  pastors  and  teachers  of  these 
children  duly  sensible  of  the  great  charge  commit- 
ted to  their  trust.  Endue  them  plenteously  with 
thy  heavenly  gifts,  and  make  them  faithful  in 
training  up  the  young  in  thy  fear  and  service : 
That  they  may  from  the  heart,  believe  in  thee,  the 
Lord  their  God,  and  worship  and  serve  thee,  their 
Creator,  Kedeemer,  and  Sanctifier:  That  they 
may  renounce  the  devil  and  all  his  works,  the 
pomps  and  vanities  of  this  wicked  world,  and  all 
the  sinful  desires  of  the  flesh,  and  keep  thy  holy 
will  and  commandments,  and  walk  in  the  same  all 
the  days  of  their  life.  Graft  in  their  hearts  the 
love  of  thy  name ;  increase  in  them  true  religion ; 
nourish  them  with  all  goodness ;  and  by  thy  great 
mercy,  keep  them  in  the  same,  that  so,  in  the  end, 
they  may  obtain  everlasting  life. 


OCCASIONAL  PRAYERS.  248 


ON  THE  BIRTH-DAY  OP  A  MEMBER  OF  THE  FAMILY. 

0  God,  heavenly  Father,  who  hast  been  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  prolong  the  days  of  this  thy 
servant,  [or  this  child,]  and  to  add  another  year 
to  his  mortal  life,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  take 
him  under  thy  special  eare  and  protection,  for  the 
time  which  is  to  come ;  and  grant  that,  as  he  ad- 
vances in  years,  he  may  grow  in  grace,  and  in  fit- 
ness and  preparation  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 


FOR  A  SICK  PERSON. 


O  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  look  down  from 
heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  behold,  visit,  and 
relieve  thy  sick  servant,  for  whom  we  offer  up 
our  earnest  supplications.  Look  upon  him  with 
the  eyes  of  thy  mercy  ;  comfort  him  with  a  sense 
of  thy  goodness ;  preserve  him  from  the  tempta- 
tions of  the  enemy ;  give  him  patience  under  his 
affliction ;  and,  in  thy  good  time,  restore  him  to 
health,  and  enable  him  to  lead  the  residue  of  his 
life  in  thy  fear,  and  to  thy  glory;  or  else  give  him> 
grace  so  to  take  thy  visitation,  that  after  this  pain- 
ful life  is  ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in  life 
everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


244  OCCASIONAL   PKAYERS. 


FOE  A  PERSON  DANGEROUSLY  SICK. 

0  Lord  Grod,  our  heavenly  Father,  we  fly  to 
thee  for  succor  in  behalf  of  this  thy  sick  servant, 
in  this  day  of  his  tribulation  and  danger.  We 
know,  O  God,  that  all  things  are  possible  with 
thee.  We  know  that  thy  arm  is  not  shortened, 
that  it  can  not  save,  nor  thy  ear  heavy,  that  it  can 
not  hear.  We  know  that  thou  canst,  if  it  be  thy 
gracious  will,  speak  the  word  only,  and  this  thy 
servant  shall  be  healed.  And  we  beseech  thee, 
merciful  God,  thus  to  interpose  thine  hand.  Take 
away  from  us  this  cup  of  bitterness;  and,  if  it 
seem  good  to  thee,  alleviate  his  sufferings,  and 
remove  his  complaints,  and  restore  him  to  health, 
and  grant  him  a  longer  continuance  among  us. 
But  thy  will,  0  Father,  and  not  ours,  be  done. 
Enable  us  to  submit,  with  patience  and  resignation, 
to  thy  righteous  dealing.  And  grant  to  this  thy 
servant,  grace,  that  his  repentance  may  be  perfect, 
his  faith  strong,  his  love  fervent,  and  his  hope 
steadfast;  so  that  after  his  departure  hence  in 
peace,  he  may  rest  with  thee  forever. 


FOR  A  BLESSING  ON  THE  MEANS  OF  RECOVERY. 

O  Almighty  God,  by  whose  word  man  lives,  and 
not  by  any  human  means  alone,  prosper,  we  be- 
seech thee,  the   means  which   are  used  for  the 


OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS.  245 

recovery  of  this  thy  sick  servant.  Let  not  his 
confidence  in  any  human  means,  lessen  Ms  depend- 
ence upon  thee.  Make  Mm  sensible  that  every 
good  gift  is  from  above ;  that  it  is  thou  only  who 
givest  help  in  time  of  need.  To  thee,  gracious 
God,  we  fly  for  succor  in  the  day  of  our  visitation. 
And  may  this  thy  sick  servant  look  to  thee  for 
bodily,  as  well  as  spiritual  strength  and  salvation. 
Let  thine,  0  God,  be  the  glory,  and  his  the  com- 
fort, of  the  means  used  for  his  recovery.  Let  Mm 
own  thee  as  the  author  of  his  mercies ;  to  thee  pay 
his  vows  and  services ;  and  to  thy  glory  devote 
the  remainder  of  his  days,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 


FOR    A   SICK   PERSON,    AT    THE    POINT    OF 
DEPARTURE. 

0  Almighty  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits 
of  just  men  made  perfect,  after  they  are  delivered 
from  their  earthly  prisons,  we  humbly  commend 
the  soul  of  this  thy  servant,  into  thy  hands ;  most 
humbly  beseeching  thee,  that  it  may  be  precious 
in  thy  sight :  Wash  it,  we  pray  thee,  in  the  blood 
of  that  Immaculate  Lamb,  that  was  slain  to  take 
away  the  sins  of  the  world  ;  that  whatsoever  de- 
filements it  may  have  contracted  in  the  midst  of 
this  miserable  and  sinful  world,  being  purged  and 
done  away,  it  may  be  presented  pure  and  without 

spot  before  thee.     And  teach  us  who  survive,  in 
21* 


246  OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS. 

this,  and  every  other  spectacle  of  mortality,  to  seo 
how  frail  and  uncertain  our  own  condition  is ;  and 
so  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  seriously 
apply  our  hearts  to  that  holy  and  heavenly  wis- 
dom, whilst  we  live  here,  which  may  in  the  end 
bring  us  to  life  everlasting,  through  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ,  thine  only  Son,  our  Lord. 


FORASICKCHILD. 


0  Almighty  God  and  merciful  Father,  to  whom 
alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  look 
down  from  heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  with 
the  eyes  of  mercy,  upon  this  child,  now  lying 
under  thy  hand  in  sickness.  Yisit  Am,  0  Lord, 
with  thy  salvation ;  deliver  him  in  thy  good  ap- 
pointed time  from  his  bodily  disease ;  and  save  his 
soul  for  thy  mercies'  sake ;  that  if  it  shall  be  thy 
pleasure  to  prolong  his  days  here  on  earth,  he  may 
live  to  thee,  and  be  an  instrument  of  thy  glory, 
by  serving  thee  faithfully,  and  doing  good  in  his 
generation  :  Or  else  receive  him  into  those  heav- 
enly habitations,  where  the  souls  of  those  who 
sleep  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  enjoy  perpetual  rest  and 
felicity :  Grant  this,  O  Lord,  for  thy  mercies'  sake, 
in  the  name  of  thy  Son,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


OCCASIONAL  PRAYERS.  247 

POR  A  PERSOIT  TROUBLED  IN  MIND  OR 
CONSCIENCE. 

0  blessed  Lord,  the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the 
God  of  all  comfort,  we  beseech  thee,  look  down 
in  pity  and  compassion  upon  this  thy  afflicted  ser- 
vant. Thou  writest  bitter  things  against  Am,  and 
makest  him  to  possess  Ms  former  iniquities :  Thy 
wrath  lieth  hard  upon  Aim,  and  his  soul  is  full  of 
trouble:  But,  O  merciful  God,  who  hast  written 
thy  holy  word  for  our  learning,  that  we,  through 
patience  and  comfort  of  thy  holy  Scriptures,  might 
have  hope,  give  him  a  right  understanding  of  him- 
self^ and  of  thy  threats  and  promises,  that  he  may 
neither  cast  away  his  confidence  in  thee,  nor  place 
it  anywhere  but  in  thee.  Give  him  strength 
against  all  his  temptations,  and  heal  all  his  dis- 
tempers :  Break  not  the  bruised  reed,  nor  quench 
the  smoking  flax :  Shut  not  up  thy  tender  mercies 
in  displeasure;  but  make  him  to  hear  of  joy  and 
gladness,  that  the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken 
may  rejoice :  Deliver  him  from  fear  of  the  enemy, 
and  lift  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  him; 
and  give  him  thy  peace,  through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


WHEN  UNDER  APFLICTION. 

O  merciful  God,  and  heavenly  Father,  who  hast 
taught  us  in  thy  holy  word,  that  thou  dost  not 


248  OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS. 

willingly  afflict  or  grieve  the  cliildren  of  men.  look 
with  pity,  we  beseech  thee,  upon  us  in  our  present 
sorrows.  In  thy  wisdom  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  visit 
us  with  trouble,  and  to  bring  distress  upon  us. 
Eemember  us,  O  Lord,  in  thy  mercy;  sanctify 
thy  fatherly  correction  to  us;  endue  our  souls 
with  patience  under  our  affliction,  and  with  resig- 
nation to  thy  blessed  will;  comfort  us  with  a 
sense  of  thy  goodness ;  lift  up  thy  countenance 
upon  us,  and  give  us  peace,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 


AFTER  A  FUNERAL. 


O  God,  whose  days  are  without  end,  and  whose 
mercies  can  not  be  numbered,  grant  that  the 
solemn  services  of  this  day  may  make  us  deeply 
sensible  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  human 
life,  and  of  the  transitory  nature  of  all  earthly 
things.  Sanctify  to  us,  and  to  all  the  friends  and 
relatives  of  the  deceased,  this  afflictive  dispensation 
of  thy  providence.  May  the  lively  sense  of  the 
bereavment  which  we  have  sustained,  lead  us  to 
cleave  more  closely  to  thee  our  God.  In  all  our 
troubles,  may  our  whole  trust  and  confidence  be 
placed  in  thy  mercy.  Awakened  by  this  visita- 
tion to  a  realizing  sense  of  our  own  danger,  may 
we  resolve  to  seek  supremely  those  things  which 
are  above;  to  resign  ourselves  and  all  our  con- 
cerns to  thy  disposal ;  and  in  the  fullness  of  resig- 


OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS.  249 

nation,  to  say  with  the  holy  Job : — "  The  Lord 
gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord." 


FOR  A  PERSON  AT  SEA. 


0  Eternal  God,  who  alone  spreadest  out  the 
heavens,  and  rulest  the  raging  of  the  sea,  we  com- 
mend to  thy  Almighty  protection,  thy  servant,  for 
whose  preservation  on  the  great  deep  we  offer  up 
our  humble  supplications.  Guard  him^  we  beseech 
thee,  from  the  dangers  of  the  sea,  from  pestilence 
and  sickness,  from  the  violence  of  enemies,  and 
from  every  evil  to  which  he  may  be  exposed. 
Conduct  him  in  safety  to  his  place  of  destination, 
and  in  thy  good  time,  restore  him  in  health  and 
peace,  to  his  home,  his  family,  and  his  friends: 
And,  above  all,  give  him  a  grateful  sense  of  all 
thy  mercies,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  A  PERSON  ON  A  JOURNEY. 

0  Father  Almighty,  whose  mercy  is  over  all 
thy  works,  we  commend  to  thy  protection  and 
care,  thy  servant,  now  absent  from  his  home  and 
family.  Preserve  him^  we  beseech  thee,  in  all  his 
journeyings;  guard  him  in  every  danger  and 
calamity ;  keep  him  in  health  and  safety ;  and  in 


250  OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS. 

thj  good  time,  restore  him  again  to  the  joys  and 
comforts  of  his  household;  that  he  may  praise 
thee  for  all  thy  mercies,  and  love  and  serve  thee 
faithfully  all  his  days,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 


AFTER  AN  ORDINATION. 

Almighty  God,  giver  of  all  good  things,  who  by 
thy  Holy  Spirit  hast  appointed  divers  orders  of 
ministers  in  thy  Church,  mercifully  behold  thy 
servant,  who  has  this  day  been  admitted  to  the 
office  of  [Deacon  or]  Priest;  and  so  replenish  him 
with  the  truth  of  thy  doctrine,  and  adorn  him  with 
innocency  of  life,  that  both  by  word  and  good  ex- 
ample, he  may  faithfully  serve  thee  in  this  office, 
to  the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  the  edification  of 
thy  Church,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


POR  CONVENTIONS. 


Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who,  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit,  didst  preside  in  the  councils  of  the 
blessed  Apostles,  and  hast  promised,  through  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  be  with  thy  Church  to  the 
end  of  the  world,  we  beseech  thee  to  be  present 
with  the  council  of  thy  Church  now  assembled. 
Save  them  from  all  error,  ignorance,  pride,  and 


OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS.  251 

« 

prejudice;  and  of  thy  great  mercy,  vouchsafe,  we 
beseech  thee,  so  to  direct,  sanctify,  and  govern 
them  in  their  present  work,  by  the  mighty  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  the  comfortable  gospel  of 
Christ  may  be  truly  preached,  truly  received,  and 
truly  followed,  in  all  places,  to  the  breaking  down 
of  the  kingdom  of  sin,  Satan,  and  death ;  till  at 
length  tjie  whole  of  thy  dispersed  sheep,  being 
gathered  into  one  fold,  shall  become  partakers  of 
everlasting  life,  through  the  merits  "and  death  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 


FOR  RAIN. 

« 

0  God,  heavenly  Father,  who  by  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  hast  promised  to  all  those  who  seek  thy 
kingdom  and  the  righteousness  thereof,  all  things 
necessary  to  their  bodily  sustenance,  send  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  in  this  our  necessity,  such  refreshing 
supplies  of  rain,  that  we  may  receive  the  fruits  of 
the  earth  to  our  comfort,  and  to  thy  honor, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  FAIR  WEATHER. 


Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  we  humbly 
beseech  thee,  of  thy  great  goodness,  to  restrain, 
those  immoderate  rains,  wherewith,  for  our  sins, 


252  OCCASIONAL   PKAYERS. 

thou  hast  afflicted  us :  And  we  pray  thee  to  send 
us  such  seasonable  weather,  that  the  earth  may,  in 
due  time,  yield  her  increase  for  our  use  and  bene- 
fit ;  and  give  us  grace,  that  we  may  learn  by  thy 
punishments  to  amend  our  lives,  and  for  thy 
clemency  to  give  thee  thanks  and  praise,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


IN  TIME  OP  DEARTH  AND  FAMINE. 

0  Grod,  heavenly  Father,  whose  gift  it  is  that 
the  rain  doth  fall,  and  the  earth  bring  forth  her 
increase,  behold,  we  beseech  thee,  the  afflictions 
of  thy  people ;  increase  the  fruits  of  fhe  earth  by 
thy  heavenly  benediction;  and  grant  that  the 
scarcity  and  dearth,  which  we  now  most  justly 
suffer  for  our  sins,  may,  through  thy  goodness,  be 
mercifully  turned  into  plenty,  for  the  love  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


IN  TIME  OP  WAR  AND  TUMULTS. 

0  Almighty  God,  the  supreme  Governor  of  all 
things,  whose  power  no  creature  is  able  to  resist, 
to  whom  it  belongeth  justly  to  punish  sinners,  and 
to  be  merciful  to  those  who  truly  repent,  save  and 
deliver  us,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  from  the 


OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS.  263 

hands  of  our  enemies  ;  that  we,  being  armed  with 
thy  defence,  may  be  preserved  evermore  from  all 
perils,  to  glorify  thee,  who  art  the  only  giver  of 
all  victory,  through  the  merits  of  thy  Son,  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 


IN  TIME  OP  GREAT  SICKNESS  AND  MORTALITY. 

O  Almighty  God,  the  Lord  of  life  and  death,  of 
sickness  and  health,  regard  our  supplications,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee ;  and,  as  thou  hast  thought 
fit  to  visit  us  for  our  sins  with  great  sickness  and 
mortality,  in  the  midst  of  thy  judgment,  0  Lord, 
remember  mercy.  Have  pity  upon  us  miserable 
sinners,  and  withdraw  from  us  the  grievous  sick- 
ness with  which  we  are  afflicted.  May  this  thy 
fatherly  correction  have  its  due  influence  upon 
us,  by  leading  us  to  consider  the  frailty  and  un- 
certainty of  our  life;  that  we  may  apply  our 
hearts  unto  that  heavenly  wisdom,  which  in  the 
end  will  bring  us  to  everlasting  life,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

22 


C|auksjgitrittp. 


AFTER  COMMUNION. 


Almighty  and  everliving  God,  we  most  heartily 
thank  thee  for  thy  great  mercy,  in  permitting  us, 
on  this  day,  to  receive  the  spiritual  food  of  the 
most  precious  body  and  blood  of  thy  Son  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  We  thank  thee  for 'this 
comfortable  assurance  of  thy  favor  and  goodness ; 
and  for  the  blessed  hope,  that  we  are  very  mem- 
bers incorporate  in  the  mystical  body  of  thy  Son, 
which  is  the  whole  company  of  all  faithful  people; 
and  are  also  heirs  through  grace  of  thy  everlasting 
kingdom,  by  the  merits  of  the  most  precious  death 
and  passion  of  thy  dear  Son.  And  we  most  hum- 
bly beseech  thee,  0  heavenly  Father,  so  to  assist 
us  with  thy  grace,  that  we  may  continue  in  that 
holy  fellowship,  and  do  all  such  good  works  as 
thou  hast  prepared  for  us  to  walk  in,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOB,  THE  BEGINNING  OP  B,ECOV»ERY  FROM 
SICKNESS. 

Great  and  mighty  God,  who  bringest  down  to 
the  grave,  and  bringest  up  again,  we  bless  thy 


OCCASIONAL  THANKSGIVINGS.  265 

great  goodness,  for  having  turned  our  heaviness 
into  joy,  and  our  mourning  into  gladness,  by  re- 
storing this  thy  servant  to  some  degree  of  his 
former  health.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  that  thou 
didst  not  forsake  him  in  his  sickness ;  but  didst 
visit  him  with  comforts  from  above;  didst  support 
him  in  patience  and  submission  to  thy  "will ;  and, 
at  last,  didst  send  him  seasonable  relief.  Perfect, 
we  beseech  thee,  this  thy  mercy  towards  him  ;  and 
prosper  the  means  which  shall  be  made  use  of  for 
his  cure :  that  being  restored  to  health  of  body, 
vigor  of  mind,  and  cheerfulness  of  spirit,  he  may 
be  able  to  go  to  thine  house,  to  offer  thee  an  obla- 
tion with  great  gladness ;  and  to  bless  thy  holy 
name  for  all  thy  goodness  towards  Am,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 


FOR  RECOVERY  FROM  SICKNESS. 

O  God,  who  art  the  giver  of  life,  of  health,  and 
of  safety,  we  bless  thy  name,  that  thou  hast  been 
pleased  to  deliver  from  his  bodily  sickness  this  thy 
servant,  who  is  now  enabled  to  unite  with  us  in 
returning  thanks  unto  thee,  for  this  thy  great 
mercy.  Gracious  art  thou,  0  Lord,  and  full  of 
compassion  to  the  children  of  men.  May  his  heart 
be  duly  impressed  with  a  sense  of  thy  merciful 
goodness,  and  may  he  devote  the  residue  of  his 
days  to  an  humble,  holy,  and  obedient  walking 
before  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


266  OCCASIONAL  THANKSGIVINGS. 

FOR  A  SAFE  RETURN  FROM  SEA. 

Most  gracious  Lord,  whose  mercy  is  over  all  thy 
works,  we  praise  thy  holy  name,  that  thou  hast 
been  pleased  to  conduct  in  safety,  through  the 
perils  of  the  great  deep,  this  thy  servant,  who  now 
desires  to  unite  with  us  in  returning  thanks  to 
thee.  May  he  be  duly  sensible  of  thy  merciful 
providence  towards  Am,  and  ever  express  his 
thankfulness,  by  a  holy  trust  in  thee,  and  obedi- 
ence to  thy  laws,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  A  SAFE  RETURN  FROM  A  JOURNEY. 

Merciful  Father,  we  bless  thee  for  thy  providen- 
tial care  in  protecting  this  thy  servant,  in  his  late 
absence  from  his  home  and  family.  We  thank 
thee  for  his  preservation  in  his  journeyings ;  for 
his  exemption  from  danger, .  and  sickness,  and 
death;  and  for  his  safe  return  to  the  joys  and 
comforts  of  his  household.  May  he  ever  praise 
thee  for  all  thy  mercies,  and  love  and  serve  thee 
faithfully  all  his  days,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 


AFTER  THE  BIRTH  OF  A  CHILD. 

O  Almighty  God,  we  give  thee  humble  thanks, 
for  that  thou  hast  been  graciously  pleased  to  pre- 


OCCASIONAL  THANKSGIVINGS.  257 

serve,  through  the  great  pain  and  peril  of  child- 
birth, thy  servant,  in  whose  behalf  we  desire  now 
to  offer  our  praises  and  thanksgivings  unto  thee. 
Grant,  we  beseech,  thee,  most  merciful  Father, 
that  she,  through  thy  help,  may  both  faithfully  live 
and  walk  according  to  thy  will  in  this  life  present, 
and  also  may  be  partaker  of  everlasting  glory  in 
the  life  to  come,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  RAIN. 


0  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  by  thy  gra- 
cious providence  dost  cause  the  former  and  the 
latter  rain  to  descend  upon  the  earth,  that  it  may 
bring  forth  fruit  for  the  use  of  man,  we  give  thee 
humble  thanks  that  it  hath  pleased  thee,  in  our 
great  necessity,  to  send  a  joyful  rain  upon  thine 
inheritance,  and  to  refresh  it  when  it  was  dry,  to 
the  great  comfort  of  us  thy  unworthy  servants, 
and  to  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name,  through  thy 
mercies  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  FAIR  WEATHER. 


O  Lord  God,  who  hast  justly  humbled  us  by  thy 
late  visitation  of  immoderate  rain  and  storms,-  and 
in  thy  roej^cy  hast  now  relieved  and  comforted  us 
by  this  seasonable  and  blessed  change  of  weather, 


258  OCCASIONAL  THANKSGIVINGS. 

we  praise  and  glorify  thy  holy  name,  for  this  thy 
mercy :  And  we  beseech  thee  to  grant  us  grace, 
always  to  declare  thy  loving  kindness,  from  genera- 
tion to  generation,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


POB  PLENTY. 


0  most  merciful  Father,  who  of  thy  gracious 
goodness,  hast  heard  our  prayers  and  supplica- 
tions, and  turned  our  dearth  and  scarcity  into 
plenty,  we  give  thee  humble  thanks  for  this  thy 
special  bounty ;  beseeching  thee  to  continue  thy 
loving  kindness  unto  us,  that  our  land  may  yield 
us  her  fruits  of  increase,  to  thy  glory  and  our 
comfort,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  A  RETURN  OF  PEACE; 

0  Almighty  God,  who  art  a  strong  tower  of 
defense  unto  thy  servants,  against  the  face  of  their 
enemies,  we  yield  thee  praise  and  thanksgiving 
for  our  deliverance  from  the  perils  and  dangers 
wherewith  we  have  been  encompassed,  and  for  a 
restoration  of  the  blessings  of  peace ;  beseeching 
thee  still  to  continue  thy  mercies  towards  us,  that 
all  the  world  may  know  that  thou  art  our  Saviour 
and  mighty  Peliverer,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 


OCCASIONAL   THANKSGIVINGS.  269 

POR  THE  RESTORATION  OF  TRANQUILITY  AT 
HOME. 

O  eternal  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  alone 
canst  order  and  subdue  the  unruly  wills  and  affec- 
tions of  sinful  men,  and  make  thy  people  to  be  of 
one  mind,  we  bless  thy  holy  name,  that  it  hath 
pleased  thee  to  appease  the  domestic  tumults  and 
troubles,  by  which  our  land  has  been  afflicted; 
most  humbly  beseeching  thee  to  grant  to  all  of  us 
grace,  that  we  may  henceforth  obediently  walk  in 
thy  holy  commandments;  and,  leading  a  quiet 
and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty,  may 
continually  offer  unto  thee  our  sacrifice  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving  for  these  thy  mercies  towards 
us,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


FOR  DELIVERANCE  FROM    GREAT  SICKNESS  AND 
MORTALITT. 

O  Lord  God,  who  hast  wounded  us  for  our  sins, 
and  consumed  us  for  our  transgressions,  by  thy 
late  heavy. and  dreadful  visitation;  and  now,  in 
the  midst  of  judgment  remembering  mercy,  hast 
redeemed  our  souls  from  tlie  terrors  of  death  ;  we 
offer  unto  thy  fatherly  goodness  ourselves,  our  souls 
and  bodies,  which  thou  hast  delivered,  to  be  a  liv- 
ing sacrifice  unto  thee ;  always  praising  and  magni- 
fying thy  mercies,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


iUs^iugs  attJr  ^xun  at  Cable. 


BEFORE  MEALS 


Father  of  mercies,  pardon  our  transgressions; 
accept  onr  imperfect  services,  and  bless  this 
bounty  of  thy  providence  to  our  use,  and  us  to 
thy  service,  for  Christ's  sake.     Ame7i. 


We  bless  thee,  0  God,  for  covering  our  table 
with  plenty,  and  for  the  present  opportunity  of 
partaking  of  thy  bounties.  ISTourish  oar  bodies 
with  these  provisions  of  thy  hand,  and  our  souls 
with  the  bread  of  life,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


AFTER   MEALS. 


For  the  daily  blessings  and  bounties  of  thy 
hand;  for  this  present  refreshment;  and  for  all 
thy  other  mercies,  both  temporal  and  spiritual; 
thy  holy  name,  0  God,  be  praised,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     A?nen. 


BLESSINGS  AND  GRACES  AT  TABLE.    261 

0  God,  for  all  thy  mercies ;  for  the  food  that 
supports  our  bodies,  and  the  grace  that  sustains 
our  souls;  we  bless  and  praise  thy  holy  name, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


[tthivbrsitt; 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
BERKELEY 

Return  to  desk  from  which  borrowed. 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


NOV  17  19*^ 

lNov'5iWfe 
.       220cf5tU' 

SlJufaSRHl 


JHt  2* 


3Mar'59MR 
RETC'D  CO 

PB  17  1959 


LD  21-100m-9,'47(A5702sl6)476 


Dt.C111961 
iUL  1  6  1969  3  8 

.^rCEIVED 

y^  1  M  '69  -6  HM 

LOAN   DEPT. 


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